I want to congratulate the Timorese Government and people and the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) on the successful conclusion of its peacekeeping operations. When UNMIT was first mandated in 2006, Timor-Leste had experienced an intense period of internal disorder and the future of the young country seemed uncertain. Six years later -- as a result of the hard work of the Timorese people, the United Nations, and other partners -- Timor-Leste has shown the world how fragile states can stabilize and become productive members of the international community. The orderly conclusion of UNMIT can serve as a model for future peacekeeping operations.

I also want to recognize the important contribution to Timorese stability made by the Australia and New Zealand-led International Stabilization Force.

Our partnership with Timor-Leste will continue to strengthen based on shared values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. The United States remains steadfast in its support of Timor-Leste’s efforts to build democratic institutions, consolidate its peace and security gains and increase the economic well-being of its people.