Pasay city: The Philippines has expressed readiness to provide capacity-building assistance to support Timor-Leste’s agriculture and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sectors, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said on Wednesday. Lazaro conveyed Manila’s ‘steadfast support’ for the development of Timor-Leste during her bilateral meeting with visiting Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office in Pasay City.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro announced the continuation of capacity-building assistance to Timor-Leste through the Technical Cooperation Council of the Philippines (TCCP), focusing initially on livestock and fisheries. She also mentioned Manila’s openness to sharing best practices in MSME development through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to empower Timor-Leste’s small business sector.
Currently, the Philippines is providing technical assistance to Timor-Leste, including workshops on the ASEAN biodiversity frameworks and the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons. In October, Timor-Leste is set to become a full member of the regional bloc.
During the bilateral meeting, the two diplomats discussed legal cooperation prospects. Lazaro highlighted the importance of this potential partnership in sending a unified message that those facing justice will not find safe haven within their borders. This follows Timor-Leste’s decision to deport and ban former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. for 10 years. Teves faces criminal charges in the Philippines, including several counts of murder.
The governments are also planning to hold policy consultations early next year to identify additional cooperation areas. Dos Santos Freitas expressed Dili’s desire to reinforce bilateral cooperation with Manila in education, health, human resources development, and tourism. His visit marks his second consecutive trip to the Philippines since assuming office, emphasizing the strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Timor-Leste hosts over 1,500 Filipinos, largely professionals in fields such as education, administration, entrepreneurship, and engineering. The Philippines and Timor-Leste established formal diplomatic relations on May 20, 2002, coinciding with the historic restoration of Timor-Leste’s independence.
