Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and the new Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America (USA) for Timor-Leste, Mark Weinstock, met for the first time on August 28th, 2023, at the Government Palace. This was the first meeting since the diplomat took office on August 13th, replacing Tom Daley, who concluded his mission in Timor-Leste.
During the meeting, the diplomat took the opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão on his return to office, and the two discussed various cooperation projects between the United States and Timor-Leste in development, defence and security. 
Mark Weinstock presented a summary of the main projects developed by US organisations in the country, such as USAID, Peace Corps and Seebees, highlighting the positive impact they have had on Timor-Leste’s social, economic, health and cultural development over the last two decades.
The diplomat reiterated the United States’ support for Timor-Leste’s accession as a member of ASEAN and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership with Timor-Leste and promoting a more peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.