(Kuala Lumpur, 26th) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar today described Timor-Leste's historic accession to ASEAN as a milestone, once again affirming the common destiny and enduring spirit of regional camaraderie within ASEAN.
In his opening address at the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings this morning, he said Timor-Leste's inclusion brings new meaning to ASEAN's vision of inclusivity and unity.
“The entry of Timor-Leste makes the ASEAN family more complete, once again proving our shared destiny and profound regional friendship.”
“Within this community, Timor-Leste’s development and strategic autonomy will receive unwavering support.”
The Declaration on the Accession of Timor-Leste to ASEAN was signed by all ASEAN member countries: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Anwar (Malaysia), Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesian President Prabowo, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Philippine President Marcos Jr., Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thai Prime Minister Anutin, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Myanmar was represented by Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs U Haukansaw.
At the same time, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana signed the declaration formally confirming his country’s accession to ASEAN.
ASEAN was founded in 1967 and now comprises 11 member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.
As the youngest country in the region, Timor-Leste attained independence on May 20, 2002, and officially applied to join ASEAN in 2011, marking the start of a decade-long journey to meet ASEAN's economic and institutional standards.
This process saw major progress in 2022, when ASEAN leaders at the 40th and 41st Summits in Phnom Penh agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member and granted it observer status, allowing participation in ASEAN meetings including the summit.
At the 2023 ASEAN Summit in Indonesia, leaders passed the roadmap for Timor-Leste to become a full member, focusing on strengthening institutional frameworks, human capital development, and capacity-building support.
Timor-Leste has a population of about 1.4 million and remains highly dependent on oil and gas exports. The contributions of agriculture and services to national income are increasing. Last year, its GDP grew by 3.4% to 1.99 billion US dollars, and it is expected to grow by 3.9% this year, driven by easing inflation and improved fiscal stability.
In his opening address at the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings this morning, he said Timor-Leste's inclusion brings new meaning to ASEAN's vision of inclusivity and unity.
“The entry of Timor-Leste makes the ASEAN family more complete, once again proving our shared destiny and profound regional friendship.”
“Within this community, Timor-Leste’s development and strategic autonomy will receive unwavering support.”
The Declaration on the Accession of Timor-Leste to ASEAN was signed by all ASEAN member countries: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Anwar (Malaysia), Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesian President Prabowo, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Philippine President Marcos Jr., Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thai Prime Minister Anutin, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Myanmar was represented by Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs U Haukansaw.
At the same time, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana signed the declaration formally confirming his country’s accession to ASEAN.
ASEAN was founded in 1967 and now comprises 11 member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.
As the youngest country in the region, Timor-Leste attained independence on May 20, 2002, and officially applied to join ASEAN in 2011, marking the start of a decade-long journey to meet ASEAN's economic and institutional standards.
This process saw major progress in 2022, when ASEAN leaders at the 40th and 41st Summits in Phnom Penh agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member and granted it observer status, allowing participation in ASEAN meetings including the summit.
At the 2023 ASEAN Summit in Indonesia, leaders passed the roadmap for Timor-Leste to become a full member, focusing on strengthening institutional frameworks, human capital development, and capacity-building support.
Timor-Leste has a population of about 1.4 million and remains highly dependent on oil and gas exports. The contributions of agriculture and services to national income are increasing. Last year, its GDP grew by 3.4% to 1.99 billion US dollars, and it is expected to grow by 3.9% this year, driven by easing inflation and improved fiscal stability.