Phl, Timor-Leste boost ties, ?forge key pacts

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and Timor-Leste yesterday signed agreements on foreign policy, public works and education.

The three agreements were signed during a courtesy call on President Aquino by Timor-Leste Prime Minister Rala Xanana Gusmao, who is in town for a five-day state visit.

The first agreement covers a memorandum of understanding and policy consultations between the two countries’ foreign ministries.

The agreement seeks to establish a bilateral mechanism that would enable the two countries to exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues.

This was signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario for the Philippines, and Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Jose Luís Guterres for Timor-Leste.

The second agreement seeks to strengthen Timor-Leste’s capacity in infrastructure planning, quality control, and maintenance by tapping the services of Filipino public works experts. This was signed by Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson and his Timor-Leste counterpart, Gastão Francisco de Sousa.

The third aims to build the capacity of Timor-Leste’s officials and teachers in offering degrees, programs and specializations through the help of experts from the Philippine Normal University. This was signed by Commission on Higher Education chair Patricia Licuanan and Timor-Leste Education Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas.

Aquino said the two countries would continue to boost their relationship through engagements in education, defense, infrastructure and trade.

“We are bound by common aspirations. It is by working together that we realize the potential of our nations and of our region,” he said.

The two leaders also agreed to conduct consultations on defense matters and to exchange intelligence information.

Aquino cited the flourishing trade between the two countries, the volume of which almost tripled in the last two years.

Gusmao thanked the Philippines for helping his country build its administrative capabilities.

Phl backs Timor-Leste bid to join ASEAN

The Philippines reaffirmed its support for Timor Leste’s bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Aquino is looking forward to the Philippines working more closely with Timor-Leste particularly in advancing regional dialogue, which he said would not only boost the growth of the two countries and their peoples, but also contribute to the stability and development of the region.