Phl reaffirms support for Timor's ASEAN bid

AFTER TENSIONS

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The Philippines has reaffirmed its support for Timor-Leste’s full ASEAN membership ahead of this week’s regional summit — just two months after Manila publicly criticized Dili over its refusal to extradite the fugitive former congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary and incoming Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro announced the Philippines’ continued backing of Timor Leste’s accession in social media posts following the ASEAN senior officials’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur on May 24.

“We also committed to supporting Timor-Leste’s accession process and contributing to ASEAN Community Vision 2045 implementation,” Lazaro said.

ASEAN this week will hold its 46th summit in Kuala Lumpur, where Timor-Leste, Southeast Asia’s youngest country, remains an observer.