Ramos-Horta’s Philippine Visit Aims to Bolster Bilateral Ties

MANILA – President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste is scheduled to visit the Philippines on November 10, with an agenda to enhance the cooperation between the two nations.

According to Philippines News Agency, The Presidential Communications Office announced on Sunday that the visit will focus on strengthening technical, political, educational, and economic partnerships between the Philippines and Timor-Leste. Delegations from various Philippine agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Trade and Industry, and other key departments, will participate in the discussions during President Ramos-Horta’s visit.

At the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit held in Indonesia last May, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated support for Timor-Leste’s bid to become a full member of ASEAN. Marcos conveyed a message of partnership to Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak and celebrated Timor-Leste’s progress towards democracy and its pursuit of full ASEAN membership. Ruak, in his speech at the ASEAN Summit, highlighted the strides Timor-Leste has made towards fulfilling the requirements for ASEAN membership. The journey towards full ASEAN membership necessitates compliance with a series of agreements across various sectors.