Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta arrives in the Manila on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. (Photo from PCO)
Philippine Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Belinda Ante welcomed Ramos-Horta at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport earlier in the afternoon.
According to the Palace, Ramos-Horta will meet with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to discuss technical, political, educational, and economic partnerships.
Timor-Leste is vying for membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), where it currently has an observer status.
Marcos has expressed support for Timor-Leste’s full membership in the Asean,
“In the Philippines, you have a partner. We have always been supportive,” Marcos had previously told Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak.