Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – ASEAN leaders have agreed in principle to accept Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the bloc at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October, pending the country’s fulfillment of several remaining requirements to attain full membership, particularly those related to the economic pillar.
Speaking at a press conference following the conclusion of the 46th ASEAN Summit, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 27, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the leaders had reached a consensus to support Timor-Leste in taking all necessary steps to become a full member of the bloc.
Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, who attended this ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, expressed optimism that the country will secure full membership by the end of this year.
Timor-Leste submitted its application to join ASEAN in 2011 and was granted observer status at high-level meetings in 2022.
According to PM Anwar, in order to become a full member of ASEAN, Timor-Leste must meet specific benchmarks and pillars, including political, economic, and legal aspects, which are considered prerequisites.
Previously, Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas stated that joining the regional bloc is not only for economic benefits but also to amplify the country’s voice in the region and align with ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
ASEAN currently has 10 member states, namely Brune♏i, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam./.
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto said at the plenary session of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 26 that Indonesia welcomed Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea’s wish to join the ASEAN as member states.
Timor-Leste is steadily carving its place in the ASEAN family, with several milestones already achieved under the official roadmap, said ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn.
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