Timor-Leste today completed membership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), after more than a decade of preparation, which began in 2011 with the submission of the application for admission
The Timorese Prime Minister says that Timor-Leste made “history” by completing membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), 14 years after submitting its application for admission, a “long and intentional” path.
“Today, history is made. Timor-Leste was admitted as the 11th Member State of ASEAN. For the people of Timor-Leste, this represents not only the realization of a dream, but a powerful affirmation of our journey, marked by resilience, determination and hope”, said Xanana Gusmão.
The head of the Timorese Government was speaking in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after the signing ceremony of Timor-Leste’s admission to the Asian organization. The declaration was signed by Xanana Gusmão and the representatives of the other member states, and was then delivered to the secretary general of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, accompanied by Xanana Gusmão and the Timorese head of state, José Ramos-Horta. The flag of Timor-Leste was then raised.
“For ASEAN, it is about the continuation of a vision. A true family of united nations, linked by shared values, common aspirations and a collective destiny”, highlighted Xanana Gusmão, thanking all member states for their “trust, encouragement and solidarity”.
Recalling that the path to membership was “long and intentional”, the Timorese prime minister highlighted that Timor-Leste joins ASEAN with “humility and pride” and embracing the organization’s fundamental values, namely “mutual respect, peaceful cooperation, unity in diversity and regional solidarity”.
“We see our membership in ASEAN as a natural affiliation, rooted in our culture and geography, and as a strategic priority for the future of our nation”, he said, stressing that Timor-Leste joins the organization with “total commitment” to its Charter and to being a “constructive, peaceful and dedicated member”.
“For Timor-Leste, this new beginning brings immense opportunities in trade, investment, education and the digital economy. We are ready to learn, innovate and promote good governance, strengthening our institutions as we move together towards sustainable development”, highlighted Xanana Gusmão.
The Timorese leader also highlighted that joining ASEAN is not the end of a journey, but the “beginning of a new and inspiring chapter”.
“Together, we will advance the realization of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. A peaceful, prosperous, resilient and people-centered ASEAN, with Timor-Leste as an active participant,” he added.
ASEAN was created in 1967 by Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines, and was later joined by Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. With 676.6 million inhabitants, ASEAN is the third most populous region in the world, after India and China.
Entry as a full member of ASEAN took place in Kuala Lumpur, during the 47th summit of heads of state and government, which will run until Tuesday. At the summit, dedicated to the theme “Inclusion and Sustainability”, topics such as regional peace, economic resilience and inclusive growth will be addressed, and there will be bilateral meetings with the United States, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and the European Union.
