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Philippines, Timor-Leste agree to further improve ties

Xinhua, December 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Philippines and Timor-Leste agreed Thursday to further boost the relations of the two countries, particularly on economic cooperation.

The move came after the meeting of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert del Rosario with his counterpart Hernani Coelho Da Silva, minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste on Thursday in Manila.

"The visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Philippines and Timor-Leste, which was established in May 2002," the DFA said in a statement.

During their meeting, the two ministers discussed enhancing cooperation in the areas of defense, economic relations, education, health, and technical/capacity building, among others.

They also talked about the strong people-to-people linkages between the two countries. They likewise agreed to enhance economic cooperation, and continue their efforts to deepen Philippines-Timor-Leste relations through the Philippines-Timor-Leste Policy Consultations mechanism, the first meeting of which was held in Manila in 2014.

Del Rosario affirmed that "The Policy Consultations will continue to serve as a vehicle to facilitate matters of mutual interest in the years to come."

He encouraged his counterpart to continue sending Timor-Leste diplomats to the Philippines to participate in training courses offered by the Foreign Service Institute (FSI).

The secretary hoped that the training program will significantly contribute to "the professional development of the participants and forge greater people-to-people linkages between the government of the Philippines and Timor Leste".

Del Rosario also reaffirmed Philippine support for Timor Leste's application to ASEAN as the 11th member state.

This was Coelho's first official visit to the Philippines. Endit