PH, Timor-Leste eye defense cooperation

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro speaks during an interview with The Korea Herald at the Lotte Hotel in central Seoul in this file photo taken in September 2025. (Im Se-jun/The Korea Herald)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is looking to develop a closer defense partnership with Timor-Leste as the young nation formally becomes part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. expressed Manila’s intention during a bilateral meeting with Timor-Leste Defense Minister, Rear Adm. Donaciano Do Rosario Da Costa Gomes, on the sidelines of the Asean Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 31.

In a statement on Saturday, the Department of National Defense said both officials noted that the many historical, geographical and cultural similarities between the Philippines and Timor-Leste can serve as a foundation for stronger bilateral relations.

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“Building on these commonalities, Secretary Teodoro and Minister Gomes agreed to explore the formalization of defense cooperation,” it said.

The two ministers also agreed to take advantage of opportunities to collaborate on maritime security, disaster risk resilience and people-to-people exchanges.

They also affirmed commitment to enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation toward regional peace, stability and prosperity within the Asean community.

Strengthen relations

In the meeting, Gomes expressed interest in visiting the Philippines to further strengthen bilateral defense relations.

Timor-Leste officially joined Asean as its 11th member following the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into Asean during the opening ceremony of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Meetings last Sunday.

Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão said his nation is ready to be a “constructive, peaceful and devoted partner” in the region.