Government of Timor-Leste

The Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, accompanied by the United States (U.S.) Ambassador, Kevin Blackstone, performed the symbolic laying of the foundation stone for the rehabilitation of the Baucau Aerodrome, on July 12^th, 2021.

The rehabilitation of the Baucau Aerodrome is the result of a request for assistance made in 2018 by Timor-Leste’s Government to the U.S. Government.

An initial amount of US$ 10.6 million, funded by the U.S. Department of Defence, will be allocated to this project to increase Timor-Leste’s capacity in the areas of security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations to contribute to the development of a resilient and diversified economy.

Also included is support for the development of the Air Component of the FALINTIL– Timor-Leste Defence Forces (F-FDTL), and the construction of infrastructure to improve security and storage capacity at the Baucau Aerodrome.

The project includes the donation of a Cessna 206 aircraft, manufactured in America, the installation of a security fence, the construction of a warehouse for equipment and utility land and airport security vehicles.

The Diplomat, in his intervention, expressed “proud for the partnership with the Government in this joint project to rehabilitate the aerodrome” and reiterated that “Timor-Leste will be, now and forever, responsible for the management and operation of the aerodrome”.

The Prime Minister thanked the American Ambassador for his support in carrying out this project and said that this project “meets the basic safety requirements for this airport to be able to function”, so that “gradually, the aerodrome can expand, according to our needs”.

The ceremony was attended by the F-FDTL General Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Lere Anan Timur, the Minister of Transport and Communications, José Agostinho da Silva, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Julião da Silva and Deputy Minister of Interior, António Armindo.