DILI, 24 january 2024 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Council of Ministers, has granted the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the Philippines full power to sign an agreement between Timor-Leste and the Philippines on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders.
The draft was presented by the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel during the meeting of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday (24/01).
“The Council of Minister has decided to grant the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the Republic of the Philippines full power to sign the Agreement between the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Republic of the Philippines on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports,” said in a statement.
Last week, the government also approved the agreement between Timor-Leste and Vietnam for visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.
Taking into account Timor-Leste’s ongoing accession process as the 11th member of ASEAN, and its observer status at ASEAN Summits, this deliberation is also intended to align with the provisions of the ASEAN Tourism Agreement and the Roadmap for the Accession of Timor-Leste to ASEAN.
The aim is to effectively promote tourism in the region and strengthen the bonds of friendship between ASEAN citizens, reflecting Timor-Leste’s commitment to implement and respect all ASEAN instruments, including the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Visa Exemption.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
