PHNOM PENH — Timor-Leste Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas on April 4 thanked Prime Minister Hun Manet for Cambodia supporting his country’s membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Freitas, who met with the prime minister at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh during his official visit to Cambodia, stressed the strong relations between the two countries, and pointed out that his government wished to further enhance cooperation.

During the meeting, Hun Manet and Freitas discussed opportunities for further cooperation in trade, agriculture, tourism and education, with the prime minister pointing out sectors in which the two countries can expand cooperation both through bilateral relations and ASEAN.

Hun Manet also said that he hoped to see Timor-Leste soon attain full ASEAN membership. The country was granted ASEAN observer status in 2022, along with a roadmap in place for full membership.

During his visit to Cambodia, Freitas on April 3 met with Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn. Their discussion focused on strengthening cooperation in sectors such as the economy, trade, tourism, education, and people-to-people exchange.

At the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits held in Cambodia in November 2022, ASEAN leaders agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member, and granted the country observer status, allowing participation in all ASEAN meetings, including the Summit plenaries.

Following a sub-decree issued on Dec. 27, 2024, Cambodia decided to establish an embassy in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste.

Cambodia and Timor-Leste have maintained diplomatic relations since July 2002. Cambodia has supported Timor-Leste’s request for ASEAN membership since 2011.