KUALA LUMPUR: Tears of joy flowed as Timor-Leste officially acceded to ASEAN as its 11th member state during the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
Cheers and applause from the Timor-Leste delegation and media representatives echoed through the International Media Centre at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre following the historic announcement.
Timor-Leste media relations officer Augusto Sarmento expressed deep emotion at his country’s official membership in the ASEAN family.
“I am deeply moved, as we are now officially a member of ASEAN and part of the larger ASEAN family,” he told Bernama when met here.
He added that ASEAN’s clear economic vision is vital for both Timor-Leste’s people and the broader region.
Augusto noted that Timor-Leste’s participation is expected to bring economic benefits to its citizens and the wider ASEAN community.
Antonio Guterres, a photographer with Timor-Leste’s Foreign Ministry, described being overwhelmed with happiness after ASEAN leaders officially welcomed his country.
“For 14 years, since we submitted our application in 2011 in Jakarta, when Indonesia was the ASEAN chair, we have waited with great anticipation for this moment to arrive,” he said.
He emphasized that the Timor-Leste government has worked tirelessly for 13 years to achieve official ASEAN membership.
Antonio described the official announcement as an emotional and unforgettable moment for the entire delegation.
“When the announcement was made, we were so moved that many of us were in tears,” he shared.
He expressed deepest gratitude to all ASEAN member states for welcoming Timor-Leste into the regional bloc.
Antonio stated that Timor-Leste’s immediate priority will focus on national development and improving citizen wellbeing.
Timor Post journalist Isabel Ermelita characterized her country’s admission as a historic milestone for significant progress.
“As a Timor-Leste citizen, I am very happy and proud,” she declared.
Isabel acknowledged the challenging journey since the initial application in 2011 culminating in 2025 membership.
She expressed relief that Timor-Leste has finally become the 11th member state of ASEAN.
Isabel added that membership is expected to drive positive changes in economy, social development, and overall national progress.
Timor-Leste’s official admission marks the grouping’s first expansion in 26 years since previous members joined.
The accession was formalised through the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN.
All ASEAN member states were represented by their respective leaders during the signing ceremony.
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim joined other ASEAN leaders as signatories to the declaration.
Timor-Leste was represented by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão during the historic signing. – Bernama
