Timor-Leste supports Phl’s desire to implement 1982 UN Convention Law of the Sea

Timor-Leste on Friday expressed its support for the Philippines' desire to implement the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta had a productive and "interesting discussion" on the West Philippine Sea.

In the joint press statement of Marcos Jr. and Ramos-Horta, both officials said that it is only proper to uphold international law.

"It is with gratitude that we also have received the expressions of support from the President for the Philippines in terms of the rules– our adherence to a rules-based international law, to UNCLOS," Marcos said.

"The many suggestions and mechanisms that he brought to light…can be of use to the Philippines when it comes to the challenges that we are presently facing in the issues that are regarding the South China Sea or as we refer to it, the West Philippine Sea," Marcos added.

Marcos said Timor Leste has once again demonstrated what the Philippines can contribute to advance our discussions and arguments for the ongoing commitment of all partners to a rules-based system and international law.

In his remarks, Ramos-Horta said he was "very impressed" with the trust and confidence that investors have in the Philippines.

"Let us expand (and) upgrade the relationship between two countries. We are newer, only 21 years since the declaration of independence," Ramos-Horta said.

He mentioned that this wasn't his first visit to the Philippines and emphasized that the relationship between Manila and Dili was "warm and healthy."

After the joint press statement, the two had a bilateral meeting where President Marcos conveyed the Philippines' support for Timor-Leste to become a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The leaders also delved into education cooperation, the expansion of student exchanges, and the possibility of establishing direct flights between the two countries.

President Marcos accepted President Ramos-Horta's invitation to visit Timor-Leste.