PH Joins APSC Fact-Finding Mission in Timor-Leste

SOM Leaders of the APSC Fact-Finding Mission with Dr. Jose Ramos Horta (sixth from left). (Dili PE photo)

DILI 16 September 2019 –  The Philippine delegation for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo arrived in Dili to join co-delegates from other ASEAN member states for a three-day fact-finding mission and related activities on 03 September 2019.

The fact-finding mission’s primary objective was to evaluate and assess the political security situation in Timor-Leste in relation to the latter’s bid for accession to the ASEAN. Timor-Leste submitted its application to join the ASEAN in 2011.

Undersecretary Manalo was joined by Philippine Permanent Representative to ASEAN Ambassador Noel Servigon, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)-Office of the Undersecretary for Policy Special Assistant Rommel A. Romato, Deputy Permanent Representative to the ASEAN Noel M. Novicio, and DFA Office of ASEAN Affairs Director Frank M. Olea.

The ASEAN delegations were divided to attend the Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leaders and the Committee of the Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR).

Former Timor Leste President Jose Ramos Horta, Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, President of National Parliament Arao Noe de J. da C. Amaral, and President Francisco Guterres Lu-olo separately met with the SOM leaders to discuss Timor Leste’s willingness to join the ASEAN.

The ASEAN delegates met with Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister Dionisio Babo Soares who presented the foreign policy direction of the country and answered questions regarding Timor-Leste’s projected contribution to the ASEAN especially in the regional security setting.

The delegates also met with Former Timor Leste President Xanana Gusmao, Minister for Legal Reforms and Parliamentary Affairs Fidelis Magalhaes, Minister of State of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Hermenegildo A. Pereira, and Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior Filomeno da Paixao de Jesus.

The assessment of the Economic Community and Socio-cultural Community Pillars are scheduled to follow. END

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo (second from left) participates in a SOM leaders’ meeting on 05 September 2019. (Dili PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.dilipe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/Philippine-Embassy-in-Timor-Leste-397812407262952/