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East Timor–Philippines relations refer to foreign relations between East Timor and the Philippines. The Philippines was actively involved in the United Nations peacekeeping forces in East Timor during its move towards independence. When several nations recognized East Timor's sovereignty, the Philippines began official diplomatic relations between the two governments with the establishment of an embassy in Dili and East Timor established its embassy in Manila.
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The Philippines has maintained strong ties with the newly born independent country sending peacekeepers to the country since 1999 amid its struggle for independence from Indonesia.
Relations
In 2008, East Timor and the Philippines signed three agreements to boost cooperation on marine and fisheries, education and foreign service training. Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Former East Timorese President José Ramos-Horta witnessed the signing of the pacts during their bilateral meeting. The Philippines has pledged increased commerce and trade with East Timor and has also sought to cultivate cultural and educational exchanges. In 2010, when newly elected President Benigno Aquino III sworn in office, Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta expects stronger trade and diplomatic relations with the Philippines under his administration. East Timor Foreign Minister Jose Luis Guterres held bilateral talks with his counterpart Albert del Rosario and met with President Benigno Aquino III during his stay in Manila.
The Philippines, one of two predominantly Christian countries in Asia, is the strongest voice in ASEAN for Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership bid.
Military aid
The Philippines offered to help East Timor military to improve its capability through education and training through the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. AFP Spokesperson Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos mentioned:
"Since East Timor is a very young nation with a newly-organized defense force, the Armed Forces of the Philippines offered its assistance in building their military capability".