13 March 2014- In line with the Philippine Embassy’s efforts to promote robust economic partnership between the Philippines and Timor-Leste, Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste Maria Aileen H. Bugarin called on Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Mariano Assanami Sabino last March 11.

During the meeting, Ambassador Bugarin presented the letter from Philippine Secretary of Agriculture Proceso J. Alcala inviting his Timor-Leste counterpart to visit the Philippines to discuss the concrete steps to be taken towards the full implementation of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Marine and Fisheries Cooperation between the Philippines and Timor-Leste.

Both Ambassador Bugarin and Minister Sabino agreed to work closely together to ensure the success of the visit.

Signed in August 2008 at the sidelines of the official visit to the Philippines of former Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta, the MOA provides the legal framework for both countries to promote cooperation in the sustainable development and responsible management of fisheries. Specifically, both countries shall promote cooperation in the following areas: a) post-harvest, fish processing development and marketing; b) coastal management and development; c) marine fisheries conservation; and d) combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. END