DILI, 08 May 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a resilient, inclusive and forward-looking ASEAN during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Cebu, the Philippines, on Wednesday.
Timor-Leste Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas joined ASEAN foreign ministers in discussions on regional and global developments, ASEAN community-building, Timor-Leste’s post-admission integration, the implementation of the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar and the future direction of ASEAN-led mechanisms.
During the meeting, Minister Bendito expressed Timor-Leste’s appreciation to the Government of the Philippines for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements, while reaffirming Timor-Leste’s strong commitment to contributing constructively to ASEAN’s shared goals of peace, stability, resilience, and regional integration.
On ASEAN Community building, Minister Bendito underscored the importance of translating the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 into practical and people-centred outcomes. He emphasized the need for stronger cross-pillar coordination, institutional coherence, and responsive regional cooperation to address emerging challenges related to supply chains, food and energy security, climate resilience, and digital transformation.
Minister Bendito also reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) as a cornerstone of regional peace, stability, and rules-based cooperation, particularly as ASEAN commemorates the 50th anniversary of the TAC. He welcomed the continued interest of external partners in acceding to the TAC while supporting a credible, transparent, and well-structured accession process.
On Timor-Leste’s post-admission integration into ASEAN, Minister Bendito conveyed sincere appreciation to all ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat for their continued solidarity, encouragement, and steadfast support toward Timor-Leste’s full integration into the ASEAN family.
Minister Bendito highlighted Timor-Leste’s whole-of-government approach in implementing the Roadmap for Full Membership and informed the meeting that Timor-Leste is currently developing a Five-Year National Roadmap for the Implementation of ASEAN Economic Community Commitments (2026–2030). The roadmap aims to support economic diversification, institutional readiness, regulatory alignment, and sustainable development, while also identifying areas requiring technical assistance and capacity-building support.
Regarding the review of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) membership moratorium, Minister Bendito stressed that any review process should be approached carefully and strategically, guided by consensus, institutional effectiveness, and ASEAN’s long-term interests.
On Myanmar, Minister Bendito reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s support for the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus as the agreed framework for addressing the situation in Myanmar. He emphasized the importance of a pragmatic, phased, and results-oriented approach prioritizing reduction of violence, humanitarian access, confidence-building measures, and an inclusive political process led and owned by the people of Myanmar.
Minister Bendito further reiterated that ASEAN’s engagement should remain patient, principled, flexible, and united in encouraging tangible progress through sustained dialogue and practical cooperation.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting forms part of Timor-Leste’s continued active engagement in ASEAN following its accession as the 11th Member State of ASEAN, reflecting the country’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
