DILI, 02 february 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, participated in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM Retreat) held on 28–29 january in Cebu, under the chairmanship of the Philippines, which assumes the ASEAN Presidency in 2026.
The meeting marked the first high-level ministerial gathering under the ASEAN Political-Security Community pillar during the Philippine chairmanship, themed “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
During the retreat, ministers reviewed ASEAN’s priorities for the year and exchanged views on regional and international developments, with a focus on strengthening peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN centrality, multilateralism and respect for international law, including the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Key regional issues were also discussed, including the situation in Myanmar, maritime cooperation and broader regional security concerns, in line with decisions adopted at the 47th ASEAN Summit.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Bendito Freitas held bilateral discussions with Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, and with Vietnam’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lê Hoài Trung.
The bilateral meetings reaffirmed commitments to strengthening cooperation and enhancing coordination within the ASEAN framework, including the follow-up of political and institutional cooperation mechanisms.
Minister Freitas was accompanied by Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel and Director-General for ASEAN Affairs Elisa da Silva.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
