Timor-Leste joins ASEAN as 11th member and Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement signed between Thailand and Cambodia under Malaysia’s leadership.
KUALA LUMPUR: Timor-Leste’s admission as ASEAN’s 11th member state and the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand represent two historic milestones achieved by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair in 2025.
The Prime Minister’s senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, said Timor-Leste’s accession completes the united and sovereign Southeast Asian family.
He stated that Timor-Leste’s formal admission resulted from Malaysia’s steadfast support through training, technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives.
“Meanwhile, the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, witnessed yesterday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and United States President Donald Trump, marks the beginning of the end in the dispute between the two nations,” he said during the PMO Daily Briefing.
Tunku Nashrul described the agreement as a success rooted in peace talks initiated by the Prime Minister last July.
The move signals both countries’ commitment to ceasing hostilities, releasing captives and allowing ASEAN observers to assess peace implementation.
Regarding the second day of the 47th ASEAN Summit, Tunku Nashrul said discussions will focus on strengthening regional economic cooperation and digital transformation.
Clean energy transition and supply chain resilience will also feature prominently in today’s discussions.
Five key summits will take place today, including the ASEAN-South Korea Summit and ASEAN Plus Three Summit.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Summit, East Asia Summit and ASEAN-United Nations Summit complete today’s schedule.
“This underscores that ASEAN is not only a centre for growth but also a driver of stability and strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.
The Prime Minister will hold several bilateral meetings with other leaders before concluding the summit day.
He will also attend the ASEAN Gala Dinner with leaders and dialogue partners this evening.
“Insya-Allah, with the momentum built so far, Malaysia will continue to uphold its regional leadership with determination and confidence to strengthen ASEAN unity,” Tunku Nashrul added.
He noted that yesterday’s summit sessions enhanced ASEAN’s strategic cooperation with dialogue partners.
The meetings also expanded synergy in trade, digital, energy and sustainable development areas.
Yesterday’s five key meetings included the ASEAN Summit and ASEAN-United States Summit.
The ASEAN-Japan Summit, Asia Zero Emission Community Meeting and virtual ASEAN-India Summit completed the first day’s agenda. – Bernama
