Timor-Leste officially becomes ASEAN’s 11th member state, with PM Gusmão calling it a dream realised and a new chapter for the nation.
KUALA LUMPUR: Timor-Leste’s accession into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations represents a dream realised for its people after a journey marked by resilience and hope.
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão described this milestone as a powerful affirmation during his speech at the 47th ASEAN Summit signing ceremony.
He emphasised that this achievement also reaffirms ASEAN’s vision of a truly united family of nations bound by shared values and common aspirations.
The Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude to all ASEAN member states for their trust and unwavering solidarity throughout Timor-Leste’s purposeful path to membership.
Gusmão highlighted how Timor-Leste has prepared its institutions and reformed policies since first applying for membership in 2011.
He noted that the nation’s accession serves as a testament to the spirit of its people as a young democracy born from struggle.
The Prime Minister stated that Timor-Leste joins ASEAN with both humility and pride while fully embracing the bloc’s core values of mutual respect and peaceful cooperation.
He pledged his country’s full commitment to the ASEAN Charter as a constructive and devoted member state working toward regional peace and prosperity.
The Prime Minister outlined significant opportunities that ASEAN membership brings in trade, investment, education and the digital economy. He affirmed Timor-Leste’s readiness to learn, innovate and uphold good governance while strengthening institutions for sustainable development.
Gusmão emphasised that this membership marks not an end but the beginning of an inspiring new chapter for the nation. He committed to advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 together with other member states toward a peaceful, prosperous and people-centred regional community.
Timor-Leste officially became the 11th member state of ASEAN today through the signing of the Declaration on Admission.
The historic signing was witnessed by ASEAN leaders and dignitaries including Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the current ASEAN Chair.
This momentous occasion represents a significant step forward for both the young nation and the regional bloc in strengthening Southeast Asian unity and cooperation. – Bernama
