Bongbong Marcos, Horta tackle direct flights, social security, education

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. speaks during a bilateral meeting with Timor Leste’s President Jose Ramos-Horta at Malacañang in Manila on November 10, 2023. (INQUIRER.net/Ryan Leagogo)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday vowed more cooperation with Timor-Leste, particularly in the fields of policy, transportation, labor relations and education.

During a bilateral meeting with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta in Malacañang, the two leaders discussed undertakings where the two countries can work together.

“We should like to also explore the possibilities of having direct flights between our capitals through an Air Services Agreement, and also, establish a Bilateral Social Security Agreement to be a safety net for both our country’s professionals working in each other’s country,” said Marcos in a joint press briefing.

Timor Leste’s President Jose Ramos-Horta speaks during a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at Malacañang in Manila on November 10, 2023. (INQUIRER.net/Ryan Leagogo)

Marcos also said Timor-Leste and Philippines can mutually strengthen one another’s education programs and student exchange initiatives.

“We have deployed a team from our Department of Science and Technology who assisted the Timorese people in enhancing skills on food processing,” he said.

“We committed to increase engagements in such technical cooperation and we have tasked our respective Ministries to explore and enhance future partnerships on this matter,” he added.