By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, is set to undertake a working visit to Timor-Leste from May 19 to 20, 2026, as the country marks the 24th anniversary of the restoration of its independence.
During the visit, Dr. Kao will meet with José Manuel Ramos-Horta, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, and Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas. The discussions are expected to reaffirm ASEAN’s support for Timor-Leste’s full and effective membership in the regional bloc.
Dr. Kao is also scheduled to attend and deliver remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new International Convention Center in Dili, a project seen as part of the country’s growing regional engagement and development efforts.
IA/XF
