04 July 2014 – The Philippines and Timor-Leste bilateral relations marked another milestone with the convening of Inaugural Policy Consultations on June 26 in Manila. The Philippine delegation, led by Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Laura Q. Del Rosario, met with the Timor-Leste officials from various ministries, led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Constãncio da Conceição Pinto.

Undersecretary Del Rosario noted the progress and achievements that the two countries have made in promoting the interest and well being of the Filipino and Timorese people.

For his part, Vice Minister Pinto acknowledged the contribution and assistance given by the Philippines to the nascent Timorese nation since the restoration of its independence in 1999, particularly the Filipino police contingent that helped maintain peace and the continuing assistance to develop the human resource capabilities and institution-building in Timor Leste. 

Both Undersecretary Del Rosario and Vice Minister Pinto expressed satisfaction on the level of implementation of joint projects on education and human resource development.  In particular, under the ambit of the bilateral agreement on academic cooperation and the Timorese Matenek (Knowledge) Project, 62 Timorese scholars have graduated from Philippine universities since 2008 and have now returned to Timor-Leste to assume positions in their government.

Both countries are working towards expanding joint cooperation and coordination in the fields of mutual interest on education, defense and security, marine and fisheries, agriculture, and trade. END