PH backs Timor-Leste's Asean membership bid

(UPDATE) THE Philippines has expressed its support for the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste's membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

This was confirmed during a bilateral meeting between Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Timor-Leste's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, on Aug. 20, 2024.

Minister Freitas' arrival marks his first official visit to the Philippines following his appointment as foreign minister for the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on July 1, 2023.

The visit follows President Dr. José Ramos-Horta's successful state visit to the Philippines in November 2023.

Both parties committed to providing necessary capacity-building and technical assistance during the bilateral meeting.

The two foreign ministers also discussed ongoing global events, such as developments in the West Philippine Sea and cooperation with the European Union.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers reiterated their commitment to convening the second Policy Consultations, last held in 2014, to provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss in detail the state of bilateral relations and cooperation.

The meeting concluded with the signing of the agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on the waiver of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic service passports.