DÍLI, 21 July 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, attended the opening ceremony of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), the Post-Ministerial Conferences and related meetings in Pasay City, Philippines, on Monday.
Minister Bendito was accompanied by Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel as Timor-Leste joined ASEAN foreign ministers and senior officials at the start of the week-long ministerial meetings.
The opening ceremony marked the formal launch of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings, held under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
In her opening address, Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, underscored the importance of ASEAN unity, collective action, and active diplomacy in addressing an increasingly complex geopolitical environment marked by uncertainty, strategic competition, and evolving regional security challenges.
The 59th AMM and Related Meetings, taking place from 21 to 24 July 2026, will bring together ASEAN Foreign Ministers and Dialogue Partners to discuss key regional and global issues.
TATOLI
