Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for Timor-Leste’s upcoming membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its capacity-building programs.
She made the statement following talks with Timor-Leste Foreign Minister Bendito Dos Santos Freitas on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Lazaro said the Philippines would continue to assist through the Technical Cooperation Institute and Council of the Philippines, particularly in livestock and fisheries. “Timor-Leste’s inclusion strengthens regional development, benefiting the entire Southeast Asian region,” she said.
Freitas thanked the Philippine government for its continued support and said Timor-Leste looks forward to deeper political and economic collaboration once it becomes a full ASEAN member. “We look forward to additional consultations next year while the Philippines chairs ASEAN,” he said.
The two nations established diplomatic relations in 2002. In 2023, Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta paid a state visit to Manila to boost bilateral ties.
