ASEAN leaders to tackle charter amendment for Timor-Leste membership

Cebu, Philippines – Regional leaders are expected to discuss amendments to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) charter in light of the formal admission of Timor-Leste as bloc’s 11th member.

During a press briefing at the International Media Center for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu, ASEAN 2026 spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said legal and institutional adjustments are now being discussed following Timor-Leste’s entry into ASEAN.

“The Cebu Protocol to amend the Charter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which will mark the first amendment to the ASEAN charter since its signing in 2007. This amendment specifically pertains to Timor-Leste’s full integration into the regional bloc, reflecting ASEAN’s continued institutional strengthening,” Imperial said.

Timor-Leste officially became ASEAN’s 11th member state during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other Southeast Asian leaders witnessed the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN.

The move marked a historic milestone for the young nation, which has long sought full ASEAN membership since formally applying in 2011.

ASEAN leaders earlier agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste and gradually integrate the country into ASEAN meetings and mechanisms while preparations for full membership were completed.

With Timor-Leste now formally joining ASEAN, member states are expected to review institutional arrangements, representation mechanisms, and voting structures under the ASEAN Charter.