PM Gusmão heads to Philippines for 49th ASEAN Summit
DÍLI, 13 November 2026 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão departed for Manila on Friday to attend the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, where regional leaders will discuss political, economic and security priorities from November 15 to 17.
The summit, hosted by the Philippines under its 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, will bring together heads of state and government from the 11 ASEAN member states, alongside leaders from dialogue partner countries and representatives of international organisations.
Held under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”, the Philippine chairmanship has identified peace and security, economic prosperity and people empowerment as its key priorities.
Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening regional economic integration, advancing digital transformation, improving energy and food security, and addressing emerging political and security challenges across Southeast Asia.
The leaders’ programme will begin with preparatory meetings involving senior officials and ministers before the formal opening ceremony on November 15.
One of the key highlights will be the presentation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to strengthen digital integration, facilitate cross-border economic activities and support the development of a more connected regional digital economy.
The summit will also showcase updated ASEAN symbols, including the organisation’s emblem and flag, reflecting Timor-Leste’s integration as the bloc’s 11th member.
On November 15, Gusmão is scheduled to attend the plenary and retreat sessions of the 49th ASEAN Summit, where regional leaders will exchange views on strategic issues affecting the organisation’s future and cooperation among member states.
He will also join meetings between ASEAN leaders and representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), youth organisations and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC).
The discussions will provide an opportunity for parliamentary representatives, young people and the private sector to contribute to regional development, economic cooperation and the ASEAN integration agenda.
The program will continue on November 16 with ASEAN summits involving its dialogue partners, including China, the Republic of Korea and Australia, as well as the United Nations.
These meetings are expected to address political and economic cooperation, sustainable development and pressing regional and international challenges.
On November 17, Gusmão will participate in the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, bringing together ASEAN member states with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.
His program will also include the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders’ Meeting, the ASEAN-Japan Summit, the ASEAN-India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit (EAS).
Timor-Leste’s participation in the meetings forms part of its efforts to deepen engagement with ASEAN’s institutions and cooperation mechanisms following its admission as the organisation’s 11th full member in October 2025.
The country is also preparing to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2029, following support from fellow member states for its planned leadership role during the 48th ASEAN Summit in May 2026.
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will conclude on November 17 with a closing ceremony and the handover of the ASEAN chairmanship from the Philippines to Singapore, which will lead the regional organisation in 2027.
TATOLI
