Manila - The Philippines and Timor-Leste are renewing their commitment to enhancing cooperation in higher education. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced the decision following a meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta.
According to Philippines News Agency, the two leaders agreed to prioritize collaboration in higher education, health, and social security to benefit their citizens.
The renewal of the Memorandum of Agreement on Cooperation in Higher Education was directed by both leaders, highlighting the importance of education in the bilateral partnership between the two nations. The Philippine Embassy in Dili noted that since 2009, the Timor-Leste government has sent scholars to pursue tertiary education in the Philippines under this agreement. In addition to education, the two leaders also discussed strategies to address socio-economic challenges in Timor-Leste, with Marcos expressing support for capacity-building projects in the country. This support is expected to contribute to Timor-Leste's aspirations for ASEAN membership. Last August, Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste Belinda Ante discussed potential long-term assistance in areas like agriculture, health, and education, as well as immediate aid for maternal mortality, malnutrition, and stunting in Timor-Leste.