09 September 2014 - Timor-Leste Secretary of State for Defense Julio Tomas Pinto sought an audience with Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste Maria Aileen H. Bugarin on September 3 to discuss and exchange views on how to formalize bilateral ties in the area of defense and security.

Speaking on behalf of the Timor-Leste Government, Secretary Pinto conveyed his fervent wish that an agreement be signed soonest between the two countries in order to pave the way for the deployment of Timorese military and civilian officials to undergo further training and education in the Philippines.

For her part, Ambassador Bugarin assured the Timorese side that their concerns will be conveyed to relevant agencies in the Philippines for further guidance and instructions. She also reiterated the commitment of the Philippine Government to help strengthen the institutional and human resource capacities of Timor-Leste’s military arm, the Falintil – Forcas de Defesa de Timor-Leste.

Joining Ambassador Bugarín in the meeting were Third Secretary Maurice A. Tiempo and ODAFA Administrative Assistant Glen A. Paloyo

The meeting is part of the Embassy’s continuing efforts to lay the foundations for the strong bilateral partnership between the Philippines and Timor-Leste. END