Today, October 22nd, 2024, the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, met with the United States Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Donna Ann Welton, in the first formal meeting between the two since the diplomat presented her credentials to the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, in July of this year. During the meeting, opportunities for cooperation were discussed, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and promoting sustainable development in Timor-Leste.
Ambassador Welton expressed the United States’ willingness to continue collaborating with Timor-Leste on programmes aligned with the 9th Constitutional Government’s priorities, such as economic diversification and strengthening national capacities. In particular, she emphasised the importance of initiatives in agriculture and nutrition, which complement the Timorese Government’s efforts to combat child malnutrition and promote the well-being of future generations. 
Minister Agio Pereira stressed that child malnutrition is a central concern for the Government, with actions in this area being coordinated by the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs. During the meeting, he emphasised the need for an integrated approach involving multiple ministries and international partners to guarantee the healthy development of Timorese children.
The various ongoing cooperation projects between the two countries, including infrastructure, education, and public health initiatives, which have contributed to strengthening the bilateral partnership, were also discussed. Among the topics discussed were long-term economic development and opportunities to attract sustainable investments that support the diversification of the national economy. The Minister pointed to progress in creating the conditions for investment in strategic sectors such as agriculture, industry, and tourism. These sectors are essential for reducing the country’s dependence on fossil resources and fostering job creation, especially for Timorese youth.