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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Timor-Leste has PH support for ASEAN membership bid—DFA chief

Timor-Leste has PH support for ASEAN membership bid—DFA chief

Published Aug 21, 2024 03:52 am

The Philippines expressed its full support to Timor-Leste in its bid to become a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo said.

Manalo_Freitas.jpg(From left) Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas of Timor Leste and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo shake hands during their meeting. (Photo from Sec. Manalo via X post)

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Aug. 21, the official welcomed Bendito dos Santos Freitas, minister for foreign affairs and cooperation of Timor-Leste, during the latter’s official visit to the Philippines from Aug. 19 to 21.

“Glad to welcome (Timor-Leste) FM H.E. Bendito Dos Santos Freitas to (the Philippines) for his 1st official visit,” the DFA chief wrote.

“We reaffirmed the strong ties bet PH & Timor-Leste, as I voiced (the Philippines)'s solid support for (Timor-Leste)'s efforts to attain full membership in #ASEAN. PH is committed to help bring (Timor-Leste) closer to this goal,” he added.

During the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Cambodia in 2022, the ASEAN leaders agreed “in principle” to admit Timor-Leste to be the regional bloc’s 11th member.

It also granted the small Southeast Asian country observer status and allowed its participation in all ASEAN meetings and plenaries.

Last year, ASEAN’s member states adopted the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s full ASEAN membership and its Annexes as Indonesian President Joko Widodo encouraged the bloc and its external partners to help Timor-Leste fulfill the criteria to become a full member of ASEAN.

Among the criteria that must be met are to: demonstrate the ability and readiness to implement and abide by the ASEAN Charter, treaties, conventions, agreements, and instruments; establish a dedicated ASEAN mission in Jakarta; designate national implementing agencies and representatives for ASEAN sectoral meetings and working groups; and ensure English-proficiency among relevant ministries and agencies.

Timor-Leste must also establish bilateral agreements according to the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Visa Exemption; meet the financial obligations of being an ASEAN member; and ensure readiness of physical infrastructure to host ASEAN meetings and accommodate delegates.

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Timor-Leste DFA Enrique Manalo asean membership
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