Phl joins ASEAN talks, pledges support for Timor-Leste

The Philippines has expressed its commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s campaign to become a regular member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In a series of X posts on Saturday, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary and incoming chief Tess Lazaro said the Philippines will back the country’s bid to join the regional body.

Lazaro is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, joining President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in representing the Philippines at the 46th ASEAN Summit.

On Saturday, Lazaro met with her counterparts during the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting in preparation for the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings.

“We discussed the importance of strengthening ASEAN centrality while expanding strategic partnerships,” she said in an X post.

“We also committed to supporting Timor-Leste's accession process and contributing to ASEAN Community Vision 2045 implementation," she added.

ASEAN earlier granted Timor-Leste observer status, allowing the small nation to participate in all of the bloc’s meetings, including summit plenaries.

In 2022, ASEAN leaders released a statement agreeing “in principle” to Timor-Leste’s inclusion as the 11th member of the bloc.

According to the DFA, Timor-Leste’s ascension is among the regional body’s agenda items for the summit.

Marcos is in Kuala Lumpur to participate in the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings from 26 to 27 May.