DILI, Timor-Leste – The Chief of the National Guard Bureau, General Daniel Hokanson, recently concluded a visit to Timor-Leste, expressing optimism about the burgeoning security partnership between the United States National Guard and the Southeast Asian nation. During his trip, General Hokanson met with key Timor-Leste officials, including military leaders and government representatives, to discuss expanding cooperation and strengthening ties.
The visit highlighted the growing importance of Timor-Leste as a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, and underscored the National Guard’s commitment to supporting the nation’s security and stability. Discussions focused on a number of key areas, including disaster response, cybersecurity, and professional military education.
“I am incredibly impressed with the dedication and professionalism of the Falintil-Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL),” General Hokanson said in a statement released following his meetings. “The potential for collaboration between our National Guard and the F-FDTL is immense. We share common ground in our commitment to serving our communities and protecting our nations.”
The National Guard, with its unique dual-mission of serving both state and federal responsibilities, offers a wealth of expertise in disaster response, a capability particularly relevant to Timor-Leste, which is vulnerable to natural disasters. General Hokanson emphasized the Guard’s ability to share best practices and provide valuable training in this critical area.
Beyond disaster response, the discussions also touched on opportunities for collaboration in cybersecurity, recognizing the increasing importance of protecting critical infrastructure in the digital age. The National Guard’s cyber capabilities could prove invaluable in assisting Timor-Leste in developing its own defensive capabilities.
Furthermore, General Hokanson expressed a strong commitment to fostering professional military education opportunities for Timor-Leste’s officers. He mentioned the potential for exchange programs and training courses that would allow Timorese service members to benefit from the National Guard’s extensive experience and resources.
“This partnership is not just about military cooperation; it’s about building lasting relationships based on mutual respect and shared values,” General Hokanson emphasized. “We are committed to working alongside Timor-Leste to build a more secure and prosperous future for its people.”
The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the National Guard’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Timor-Leste, laying the groundwork for future collaboration and solidifying the two nations’ partnership in promoting regional stability and security. The next steps involve developing concrete proposals for training programs, exchange opportunities, and joint exercises to further enhance the capabilities of both organizations. The future looks bright for this promising partnership.
