Timor-Leste foreign minister visit to strengthen bilateral ties

Metro Manila, Philippines - Timor-Leste’s top diplomat is visiting the Philippines to bolster ties between the two Southeast Asian neighbors, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

The DFA said Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Timor Leste Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas are scheduled to meet Wednesday, Oct. 22, to discuss cooperation in areas of mutual interest and to advance shared goals through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The DFA said the visit marks Dos Santos Freitas’ second trip since assuming office in 2023, underscoring the strengthening of diplomatic relations between Manila and Dili.

Timor-Leste is home to more than 1,500 Filipinos, many of whom are professionals working in education, administration, entrepreneurship, and engineering.

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

Timor-Leste is also set to officially join ASEAN this month, making it the 11th member of the regional bloc.