DILI, 14 April 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste took part in a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers to discuss the evolving situation in the Middle East and its global and regional implications.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, accompanied by Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel, joined the Second Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East, held virtually under the Chairship of the Philippines.
The meeting was chaired by Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, and brought together ASEAN Foreign Ministers and Senior Officials to exchange views on the evolving situation in the Middle East, intensifying geopolitical dynamics, and their far-reaching implications for global and regional energy security, food security, and the resilience of supply chains across ASEAN.
Participants exchanged views on rising geopolitical tensions and underscored the need to mitigate the impact of the conflict, strengthen regional cooperation and promote a coordinated ASEAN response to emerging challenges.
In a joint statement, ministers welcomed the announcement of a temporary ceasefire and called for its full implementation, urging all parties to exercise restraint and pursue a peaceful resolution in line with international law.
The statement also reaffirmed the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation, as well as the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel.
TATOLI
