Philippines backs Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership bid, focusing on regional cooperation.

The Philippines has pledged support for Timor-Leste’s bid to join ASEAN, with high-level backing from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Timor-Leste must meet 66 legal requirements to become a full member. ASEAN foreign ministers have adopted a draft addendum to facilitate Timor-Leste’s integration during a summit in Kuala Lumpur. Discussions also focused on regional cooperation and planning for the next five years, including addressing Myanmar’s crisis.