DILI, 04 february 2026 (TATOLI) – Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr sent a formal letter of gratitude to President and Nobel Peace Laureate José Ramos-Horta, thanking Timor-Leste for its solidarity following the devastation caused by Typhoons Tino (Kalmaegi) and Uwan (Fung-wong).
The letter acknowledges and appreciates the message of sympathy and compassion extended by President Ramos-Horta and the people of Timor-Leste after the storms struck the Philippines, resulting in loss of life, widespread displacement and significant damage.
President Marcos expressed the deep appreciation of the Philippine Government and people for Timor-Leste’s expression of solidarity.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of the Philippines, I convey my gratitude for your expression of solidarity and compassion. A message of sympathy from our Timorese brothers and sisters gives us strength towards overcoming the devastation,” said the President.
“I am especially touched by your Government’s kind offer to deploy a humanitarian mission. Despite being the newest member of the ASEAN family, Timor-Leste has shown its willingness to give generously of itself—an act of magnanimity that will always be remembered. Anchored on our long-standing cordial ties, the Philippines, as the incoming ASEAN Chair, looks forward to working with Timor-Leste on matters of common interest.”
It’s recalled that on november 13, 2026, in a formal letter addressed to President Marcos, President Ramos-Horta conveyed the profound sorrow and deepest solidarity of the Timorese people with those affected by the typhoons, which resulted in tragic loss of life, widespread displacement, and significant damage.
President Ramos-Horta said “It is with profound sorrow that I received the tragic news of the devastation caused by Typhoon Fung-wong.”
“I wish to extend to Your Excellency, to the Government and to the people of the Philippines, my sincere condolences and the deepest solidarity of Timor-Leste. The Timorese people share with the Filipino people their grief and compassion during this period of mourning and hardship, and we express our admiration for the courage, resilience, and spirit of mutual assistance that have always characterized the people of the Philippines in the face of adversity,” said Ramos-Horta.
This exchange of letters reaffirms the close bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and regional solidarity between Timor-Leste and the Philippines.
TATOLI
