22 February 2013 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario held bilateral talks today, February 22, with his Timor-Leste counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation José Luís Guterres.
The two Foreign Ministers discussed ways on further enhancing cooperation, particularly in the areas of education, defense, technical cooperation, and possible opportunities for trade and investment.
Secretary del Rosario noted the significant number of Timor-Leste students pursuing higher education in Philippine universities in accordance with the MOU on Academic Cooperation signed in 2008. The Secretary told Minister Guterres that the Philippines has a lot to offer in terms of English language and teacher training education.
The two Foreign Ministers also exchanged views on regional developments. Minister Guterres highlighted Timor-Leste’s campaign for ASEAN membership. Secretary del Rosario said the Philippines looks forward to welcoming Timor-Leste into the ASEAN family.
Minister Guterres also paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III. They discussed South-South cooperation between the two countries. The President also invited Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão to visit the Philippines at a mutually convenient date.
Minister Guterres assumed his post in August 2012 following the formation of the 5th Constitutional Government of Timor-Leste. Prior to this, Minister Guterres served as Deputy Prime Minister and was concurrently Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. END