President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday pledged to assist Timor-Leste, the newest member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to make the regional bloc stronger and more resilient.

During the 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM) at the Manila Grand Hyatt, Marcos emphasized the Philippines’ active role in building a unified ASEAN community grounded in the principles of fairness, mutual trust, and the rule of law.

“The Philippines reaffirms its commitment to working with all Member States towards a stronger and more resilient ASEAN. We also look forward to extending this support to our newest partner, Timor-Leste, and stand ready to assist them as they prepare to join our legal bodies,” Marcos said.

“Truly, ASEAN is only as strong as the engagement of every member, every member state, and we value every voice at that table,” he added.

This is the first time Timor-Leste has participated in ALAWMM since becoming a full member of ASEAN.

Established in 1986, ALAWMM serves as the premier forum for dialogue and cooperation among justice ministers, attorneys general, and secretaries of justice of ASEAN member states.

Convened every two years, it plays a central role in fostering collaboration and launching new initiatives among ASEAN’s legal institutions, such as strengthening the region’s capacity for crime prevention and criminal justice, and exploring the harmonization of ASEAN trade laws. (PNA)