Government of Timor-Leste signs a land and reciprocity agreement with the United States of America
On Friday, August 12th, 2022, the Minister of Justice, Tiago Amaral Sarmento, on behalf of the Timor-Leste Government, signed a long-term agreement on the diplomatic exchange of land and property between the Government of Timor-Leste and the Government of the United States of America, represented by the Chargé d'Affaires of the American Embassy in Timor-Leste, Tom Daley. The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Dili.
Simultaneously, the agreement was also signed in New York by the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the United States of America, Isílio Coelho, and the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the United Nations, Karlito Nunes.
Under this agreement, the United States Government retains the land use rights to its Embassy in Dili, for 50 years, with the possibility of renewal for another 50. The Government of Timor-Leste will have new premises for its Embassy in Washington and its mission to the United Nations in New York.
According to the restrictions provided in the agreement, taking into account the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport expansion plan, the United States may construct a new building, with a height not exceeding 35 meters from sea level.
Minister Tiago Amaral Sarmento highlighted that “this is the first time that such an agreement has been signed" and that "he hopes that in the future it can also be signed with other nations”.
The Minister also stated that “this agreement will further strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between both nations, based on the principles of equality and equal sharing”.
The Chargé d'Affaires of the American Embassy said that “the signing of this agreement is an important assurance of [the United States’] long-term commitment to Timor-Leste”.
