MANILA – In a significant diplomatic meeting, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta to Malacañang on Thursday. During the meeting, President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ dedication to supporting Timor-Leste’s development through the “South-South Cooperation.”
At a state banquet, President Marcos emphasized the shared struggle of the two nations in the pursuit of freedom and self-determination, which has fostered collaboration between them.
“The values and principles that we continue to espouse, anchored by our strong historical and cultural affinities, have allowed us to work together toward mutual progress for our nations and our peoples,” Marcos stated in his toast remark.
He further added, “Allow me, therefore, to reaffirm the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s nation-building and development, including through capacity-building activities within the context of South-South cooperation.”
President Marcos also highlighted the Buenos Aires Plan of Action, a collaborative scheme among 138 United Nations member states, known as South-South Cooperation. This initiative promotes and implements technical cooperation among developing countries, particularly those in the southern hemisphere.
Expressing support for Timor-Leste’s bid for full membership in the ASEAN, President Marcos outlined the broad spectrum of cooperation areas to be discussed during Ramos-Horta’s visit, including technical, political, educational, and economic partnerships.
“Moving forward, our bilateral relations have plenty of room to grow and expand in the years and decades to come,” Marcos stated. “I look forward to our continued cooperation, both bilaterally and regionally, in realizing our mutual desire to achieve peace and prosperity.”
President Ramos-Horta reciprocated the commitment, expressing admiration for the Philippines’ remarkable progress in various fields. He commended the nation’s economic growth, citing a 7.6% growth rate in 2022, the highest in 46 years, making the Philippines one of the fastest-growing economies globally.
Ramos-Horta thanked the Philippine government for its valuable assistance in defense, education, trade, and fisheries, emphasizing the positive impact on the lives of the Timorese people and fostering “a spirit of solidarity and friendship” between the two nations.
Before concluding his speech, Ramos-Horta urged government, business communities, and civil societies to explore greater trade and investments in the Philippines.
The diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Timor-Leste were formally established on May 20, 2002. (PND)
