06 November 2014 – Upon the request of the Philippine Embassy in Dili, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission Office in Timor-Leste gave a short briefing for Embassy officials and staff on October 23.

The presentation zeroed in on the mandate of the IOM, as well as the current migration context of and human trafficking situation in Timor-Leste.

The lectures were delivered by IOM’s Chief of Mission Dr. Bruno Maltoni and its consultant Mr. Patrick Phongsathorn.

IOM’s clear and coherent presentation provided an excellent opportunity for the Embassy to better understand and appreciate the still nascent and evolving migration sector of Timor-Leste.

Speaking on behalf of the other Embassy officials, Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste María Aileen H. Bugarín conveyed her appreciation to Dr. Maltoni and Mr. Phongsathorn for sharing their time and expertise. She also thanked IOM for its commitment to work together with the Embassy in areas of mutual interest.

The briefing is in line with the Embassy’s continuing efforts to build linkages and partnerships with other non-state actors, such as the IOM, to enable it to effectively fulfill its consular mandate. The initiative is also part of the Embassy’s gender and development programs and activities for the year 2014. END