Philippines reaffirms support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership bid

The Philippines reaffirmed its support for Timor-Leste’s bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), pledging continued assistance to help the country meet the bloc’s membership requirements.

During a bilateral meeting Wednesday in Manila with Timor-Leste Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the engagement underscores the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing regional integration.

“The Philippines welcomes the steps taken by Timor-Leste to fulfill key milestones toward its ASEAN membership and expresses once more our readiness to extend technical support and assistance in the remaining vital areas that require focused attention,” Lazaro said.

She added that as the incoming ASEAN chair next year, the Philippines “will collaborate with Timor-Leste in promoting an integration process that is effective, inclusive, and centered on the needs of its people.”

Freitas thanked the Philippine government for its continued support and said his country looks forward to a deeper collaboration once it becomes a full ASEAN member. “We look forward to additional consultations next year while the Philippines chairs ASEAN.”

The two officials discussed efforts to enhance cooperation in legal affairs, particularly in ensuring that “those who must face justice as determined by our legal systems will find no safe haven within our respective borders.”

They also reviewed the implementation of the visa-waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders to facilitate high-level exchanges.

Lazaro said both sides exchanged views on regional issues, including the West Philippine Sea, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to upholding international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

She also expressed appreciation for the Timor-Leste government’s continued support for the Filipino community in the country, which numbers about 1,500.

The Philippines and Timor-Leste established formal diplomatic relations on May 20, 2002, coinciding with the historic restoration of Timor-Leste’s independence.

“I am confident that the Philippines and Timor-Leste will be able to build upon the positive momentum that we were able to gain through our productive engagements in recent years,” Lazaro said.