Timor-Leste Prime Minister arrives in Manila for 49th ASEAN Summit

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 14, 2026

Photo Courtesy: AP

Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão arrived in the Philippines on Saturday, November 14, ahead of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Summits.

Gusmão was welcomed by Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

His visit marks another milestone for Timor-Leste as it joins fellow Southeast Asian leaders for the first time as ASEAN’s newest and 11th member, following its formal admission in October 2025.

The summit, hosted by the Philippines under its 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, will bring together regional leaders to discuss cooperation, economic integration, digital transformation, energy security and pressing political and security concerns.

Gusmão is expected to participate in the leaders’ plenary and retreat sessions, along with meetings involving ASEAN dialogue partners.

The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will run from November 15 to 17 in the Philippines.