THE Philippines and Timor-Leste strengthened their diplomatic and regional partnership today, as Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Timor-Leste Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas met in Manila ahead of Timor-Leste’s formal accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Timor-Leste is set to become ASEAN’s 11th and newest member within days-a milestone that both ministers described as historic and transformative.
‘This is a very historic moment for me to be here today with the Madame Secretary of the Philippines,’ Freitas said. ‘We appreciate very much the role of the Philippines in the whole process of providing us support and guidance towards our full membership.’
Shared Commitment to UNCLOS and Peaceful Dispute Resolution
At the heart of the discussions was a shared commitment to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Both countries have used UNCLOS mechanisms to resolve maritime disputes-Timor-Leste through conciliation with Australia, and the Philippines through arbitration against China.
‘They have the conciliation. We have the arbitration,’ Lazaro said. ‘We can exchange resources, as well as best practices.’
Freitas also voiced strong support for the early conclusion of a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
‘Timor-Leste supports all efforts to promote peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region,’ he said. ‘We renew our commitment to UNCLOS as the legal foundation for resolving maritime disputes.’
Reviving Bilateral Consultations and Expanding Cooperation
The two ministers agreed to revive bilateral policy consultations-last held over a decade ago-with plans to reconvene early next year. They also identified priority areas for cooperation, including education, health, agriculture, human resource development, and tourism.
‘We want to reinforce our bilateral relations more clearly and specifically,’ Freitas said.
On economic development, Freitas highlighted the importance of supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Lazaro responded that MSMEs are ‘a very important foundation of Philippine business,’ and confirmed that the Department of Trade and Industry is ready to assist Timor-Leste in strengthening its MSME ecosystem.
Growing People-to-People Ties
Beyond policy, the ministers celebrated the growing people-to-people ties between the two nations.
As of June 2025, more than 1,500 Overseas Filipinos live in Timor-Leste, mostly in the capital Dili, working in education, administration, entrepreneurship, and engineering.
‘I express my appreciation to the government for always ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the Filipino nationals,’ Lazaro said.
Last year, the Philippines welcomed over 700 visitors from Timor-Leste.
In 2024, Timor-Leste ranked as the Philippines’ 152nd largest trading partner and 141st export destination, with total bilateral trade amounting to USD 582,670-entirely composed of Philippine exports.