Manila: Timor-Leste Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas is scheduled to conduct a working visit to the Philippines from October 21 to 23 to bolster the two nations' cooperation, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Friday. Dos Santos Freitas will engage in discussions with Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on October 22.

According to Philippines News Agency, the discussions between Dos Santos Freitas and Lazaro will focus on various areas of cooperation and explore ways to advance shared goals of regional peace and prosperity, particularly within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This visit marks Dos Santos Freitas' second trip to the Philippines since assuming office in 2023.

The DFA described the visit as an indication of strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations. Timor-Leste hosts more than 1,500 Filipinos, consisting mostly of professionals in education, administration, entrepreneurship, and engineering. The Philippines and Timor-Leste established formal diplomatic relations on May 20, 2002, coinciding with the historic restoration of Timor-Leste's independence.