The Philippines looks forward to discussing topics such as revitalizing the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the roadmap for Timor-Leste's formal accession to ASEAN, and the Myanmar conflict at the upcoming 46th ASEAN Summit.
Philippine Deputy Minister for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs, Teresa, said that the Philippines believes the summit will make progress in admitting Timor-Leste to ASEAN, although she acknowledged that technical issues remain a challenge to be resolved.
Upon her arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 this morning, she told Bernama: "I think it’s just some technical issues in the process, and I believe this is some deliverable Malaysia is providing for Timor-Leste... which is to have a comprehensive discussion on all technical details."
Timor-Leste has been striving to join ASEAN since 2011, and ASEAN has been assisting Timor-Leste in meeting the requirements of member countries.
At the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits held in November 2022, ASEAN agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as its 11th member state, provided that Timor-Leste meets the standards laid out in the roadmap for full membership.
Teresa said that the Philippines also believes this summit will strengthen ASEAN and Malaysia’s positive diplomatic role in resolving the ongoing armed and political conflict in Myanmar.
“I think the Myanmar situation is absolutely a very important issue, considering that your Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar) has been making many efforts for this... I think your country’s envoy has also been outstanding on the Myanmar issue.”
The Myanmar crisis began with a military coup in February 2021, which overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government, and led to violent suppression of protests that triggered large-scale armed resistance, plunging the country into civil war, displacing millions, and devastating the economy.
ASEAN has been working to mediate peace in Myanmar, but recent efforts suggest the situation might shift, as negotiations occur between the military government and the ousted government amidst ongoing fighting.
Teresa Praises Anwar's Outstanding Performance
Teresa said that the Philippines firmly supports Malaysia’s leadership role this year as the rotating chair of ASEAN, as well as its role in leading the development of the regional alliance.
She praised Malaysia’s handling of regional affairs and the leadership demonstrated during ongoing high-level meetings, expressing her hope to learn from Malaysia’s successful experience and excel during the Philippines’ upcoming term as rotating chair.
“I think Malaysia is doing very well, and we are fully participating because Malaysia has leadership; without a doubt, your Prime Minister (Anwar) has been performing outstandingly.”