By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Timor-Leste on Sunday officially became the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, marked the bloc’s first expansion in 26 years since Cambodia joined in 1999, media reported.
Timor-Leste’s President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao attended the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN.
Gusmao described the milestone as a reaffirmation of ASEAN’s vision of a united family of nations, as he addressed the ceremony.
He said “Today, history is made. Timor-Leste has been admitted as the 11th Member State of ASEAN. For our people, this is not only a dream realized but also a powerful affirmation of our journey one marked by resilience, determination, and hope,” he said.
“For ASEAN, it is the continuation of a vision: a truly united family of nations, bound by shared values, common aspirations, and a collective destiny,” he added.
The accession was formalized in a ceremony witnessed by ASEAN leaders and dignitaries, including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the ASEAN Chair.
Timor-Leste applied for ASEAN membership in 2011. In November 2022, ASEAN member states agreed in principle to admit the country as a full member.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Timor-Leste inclusion “completes the ASEAN family” and will ensure the country’s development and strategic autonomy receive firm and lasting support.
Malaysia is hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability” at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from October 26 to 28.
The events include the ASEAN Summit, ASEAN Plus One Summits with 7 Dialogue Partners (Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States), the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN-UN Summit, and the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit marking 50 years of dialogue relations.
The 5th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Summit and the 3rd Asia Zero Emission Community Leaders Meeting are also taking place on the sidelines of the ASEAN.
ASEAN leaders will focus on strengthening community-building and external relations, including deepening regional integration, promoting economic growth, enhancing connectivity, reinforcing ASEAN unity and centrality, and upholding a rules-based multilateral order amid a changing global geostrategic landscape during the plenary session.
