A new era has dawned for Southeast Asia. Timor-Leste has officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its 11th Member State, marking a milestone moment of unity, progress, and shared destiny for the region.
The Signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN took place during the Opening Ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. The declaration was signed by ASEAN Leaders alongside Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, symbolising the collective consent of ASEAN nations to welcome Timor-Leste into the regional family.
As the flag of Timor-Leste was raised alongside those of the ten ASEAN nations, the hall erupted in applause a moment charged with emotion and pride.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão hailed the moment as the fulfilment of a long-standing national aspiration:
“For the people of Timor-Leste, this is not only a dream realised, but a powerful affirmation of our journey one marked by resilience, determination, and hope. Our accession is a testament to the spirit of our people, a young democracy born from our struggle. This is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of an inspiring new chapter.”
His words captured the collective sentiment of the Timorese people, whose journey from independence to integration has been guided by perseverance, unity, and a deep belief in regional cooperation.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN, described Timor-Leste’s admission as a defining moment for the bloc:
“Timor-Leste’s accession completes the ASEAN family reaffirming our shared destiny and deep sense of regional kinship.”
The move is widely celebrated as one of the crowning achievements of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship and a major step toward strengthening inclusivity and solidarity within Southeast Asia.
Timor-Leste’s path to ASEAN membership has been one of patience, preparation, and partnership. The nation formally applied for membership in 2011, and in 2022, ASEAN Leaders agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste, granting it Observer Status in ASEAN meetings.
In 2023, the adoption of the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership provided a clear framework for the country to align its institutions, legal systems, and development strategies with ASEAN’s standards. This included active participation in all three ASEAN Community pillars Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural demonstrating Timor-Leste’s readiness and commitment to regional cooperation.
Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN opens new horizons for growth, collaboration, and opportunity. Membership grants access to ASEAN’s free trade agreements, investment networks, and regional development initiatives, positioning the country to attract new industries, foster sustainable growth, and strengthen its young democracy.
With a population of 1.4 million two-thirds under the age of 30 and a strong national focus on education, technology, and renewable energy, Timor-Leste brings a vibrant and forward-looking spirit to ASEAN. The nation is also pursuing economic diversification beyond oil and gas, focusing on tourism, agriculture, and green infrastructure to build a resilient, inclusive economy.
President José Ramos-Horta, who has long championed ASEAN membership, described the achievement as the realization of a vision first imagined decades ago:
“Joining ASEAN is not just about geography it’s about belonging to a community that values peace, dialogue, and cooperation. Timor-Leste is ready to contribute to that vision.”
Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has emphasized that Timor-Leste’s membership will allow it to share its hard-earned experience in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and governance values that resonate deeply within ASEAN’s mission.
From its origins as a five-member bloc in 1967 to a now 11-nation community, ASEAN has remained a symbol of cooperation and shared growth. The admission of Timor-Leste adds a new dimension to this journey one that highlights the enduring relevance of solidarity in an evolving world.
As ASEAN welcomes its youngest member, the message is clear: the future of Southeast Asia lies in unity, inclusion, and shared prosperity.
With its vibrant culture, strategic location, and unwavering optimism, Timor-Leste stands ready to play its part building bridges of opportunity, amplifying regional cooperation, and helping shape a brighter future for all.
Timor-Leste’s entry into ASEAN is more than a diplomatic milestone it is a celebration of courage, partnership, and progress. A small nation with a big heart has joined the regional stage, ready to inspire a new generation of Southeast Asians.
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Join us in Dili, Timor-Leste, on 24–26 November 2025 for the 5th Timor-Leste Energy, Mining & Business Forum the first major international event after ASEAN admission. Be part of this historic moment where government leaders, investors, and regional partners come together to shape the country’s next chapter as the newest member of ASEAN.
