Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste Evelyn D. Austria-Garcia called on Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MFAC) of Timor-Leste Hernani F. Coêlho da Silva last November 12.

During the meeting, both officials had a fruitful discussion and exchange of views on how to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Timor-Leste. Ambassador Austria-Garcia took the opportunity to brief Minister Coêlho on pending bilateral initiatives in the areas of defense, health and teacher training that both sides could pursue together.

The Ambassador reaffirmed the Philippine Government’s full support for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN. She also thanked the Timor-Leste Government for its generous support for Philippine candidatures in international organizations and bodies.

The Ambassador likewise apprised the Foreign Minister on the developments in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), particularly on the commencement of the arbitration case filed by the Philippines against China in The Hague. She underscored the Philippines’ position that the decision of the arbitration tribunal will resolve the maritime disputes and conflicting territorial claims on the WPS.

Present in the meeting were MFAC Acting National Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania Pedro Laranjeira and MFAC Desk Officer for the Philippines Inês Fátima da Luz. Joining Ambassador Austria-Garcia was Third Secretary Maurice A. Tiempo.

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