Metro Manila, Philippines – Southeast Asia’s youngest nation, Timor-Leste, is poised to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its 11th member in the bloc’s second summit in October, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aspiration for regional integration.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced at the conclusion of the 46th ASEAN Summit that the region’s leaders had reached a consensus to support Timor-Leste’s accession, pending the fulfillment of remaining requirements, particularly in the economic sector.
“The leaders have agreed, in principle, for Timor-Leste to be accepted as the 11th ASEAN member at the ASEAN Summit in October, provided certain outstanding conditions are met. This decision reflects ASEAN’s commitment to inclusivity and regional solidarity,” said Anwar in a report by Malaysian state media Bernama.
Timor-Leste, officially known as the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, first applied for ASEAN membership in 2011 shortly after it gained independence from Indonesia, and was granted observer status at high-level meetings in 2022. Since then, it has undertaken structural reforms and capacity-building initiatives to align with ASEAN’s political, economic, and institutional frameworks.
Reflecting on the country’s journey, Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta shared a personal message on social media.
“My deep appreciation to all leaders and officials of ASEAN, past and present. Timorese leaders, past and present, who believed in ASEAN, who worked hard in the last 2 years…And now we must work even harder,” said Horta.
To gain full membership, Timor-Leste must comply with a roadmap that includes adopting ASEAN instruments and acceding to the ASEAN Charter.
Despite supporting Dili’s bid, the Philippines previously expressed disappointment over Timor-Leste’s refusal to extradite former lawmaker Arnie Teves, who faces multiple murder charges and remains there even after his asylum was denied.
Immigration authorities have arrested Teves after he was granted court relief in his asylum petition. Manila is awaiting word from Dili as to the next steps.
