MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines will serve as a learning center for students of neighboring Timor Leste when the two countries sign an agreement on an educational exchange this week, said Timor Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, who arrived in Manila at 4:45 p.m. Sunday on a state visit.

Calling it his “favorite project,” Ramos-Horta said the memorandum of agreement would allow Timorese students to take courses in colleges and universities in the Philippines.

Ramos-Horta is scheduled to meet with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Monday and to sign bilateral agreements on academic cooperation and on fishing on Tuesday. He will also speak at several colleges before leaving on Thursday, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Swiss President Pascal Couchepin arrived in Manila 45 minutes after Ramos-Horta.

Couchepin, who came from the Beijing Olympics, is on a three-day visit to meet with President Arroyo, as well as to visit the Senate and House of Representatives.

Scheduled to arrive on Thursday is Prime Minister of Kuwait, Sheik Nasser Al-Mohammed Al Ahmed Al-Sabah.

Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo said Al-Sabah’s visit was a good chance for the country to build stronger ties with Kuwait. With reports from Leila B. Salaverria and Agence France-Presse