Timor-Leste president visiting Manila; Teves on agenda?

MANILA, Philippines — Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta is scheduled to visit the Philippines on Nov. 10, Malacañang announced yesterday.

It remains unknown if President Marcos and Ramos-Horta will discuss expelled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., whose application for political asylum was denied by Timor-Leste following allegations he was behind the assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo in March.

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office said Marcos and Ramos-Horta will discuss “various areas of cooperation

 between the Philippines and Timor-Leste in terms of technical, political, educational and economic partnerships.”

The PCO added it has yet to receive the “final itinerary” for Ramos-Horta’s state visit.

In May, Marcos rallied for whole-of-community support for Timor-Leste in its journey toward full membership into ASEAN or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Marcos said Timor-Leste would strengthen the ASEAN community as it expands the reach of the regional bloc’s united front to face the challenges of the 21st century.

“In the Philippines, you have a partner. We have always been supportive,” Marcos told Timor-Leste’s former prime minister Taur Matan Ruak on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia in May. 

Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida recently visited Manila for a two-day official visit on Nov. 3 to 4, announcing stronger defense ties between the two countries.