President of the Republic of Timor-Leste J. Ramos-Horta received Mark L. Garber, a candidate for the United States Ambassador to Timor-Leste, at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace on May 25, 2026. 

The meeting focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations, with Mark Garber expressing his commitment to advancing diplomatic ties and supporting Timor-Leste’s continued progress under the President’s leadership.

During the discussions, Mark Garber presented a key proposal to facilitate easier travel for Timorese citizens by moving U.S. visa interviews from Jakarta to the Embassy in Dili. His vision for economic cooperation includes transforming Timor-Leste into the “breadbasket” of Southeast Asia through agricultural development and attracting U.S. investment to build high-end resorts, aiming to establish the country as a premier tourism destination similar to Bali.

Ramos-Horta welcomed the proposals and expressed his hope for Mark Garber’s official nomination by President Trump. Mark Garber concluded the visit by praising the hospitality and potential of the Timorese people, reaffirming his desire to see the nation prosper through increased international investment and closer cooperation with the United States.