On Saturday, Timor-Leste officially deposited the instruments of accession to the "ASEAN Charter" and the "Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone" (SEANWFZ), marking the country’s official entry into ASEAN as the 11th member state.
Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Mohamad Hasan said this is a historic milestone, signifying that ASEAN’s scope now extends to cover all sovereign nations in Southeast Asia.
He said at the accession document deposit ceremony in Timor-Leste today (25th): “Today marks a historic moment.”
Mohamad Hasan said that as the current ASEAN chair, Malaysia, together with the other member states, extends the warmest congratulations to the government and people of Timor-Leste.
“Today, we congratulate you, a nation built on courage, perseverance, and indomitable hope, in joining a long-awaited family. Welcome to the ASEAN family, to our cherished ‘ASEAN Charter.’”
“By acceding to the ASEAN Charter, Timor-Leste commits to working hand in hand with us, integrating its people's aspirations into the ever-evolving ASEAN Community.”
“Through SEANWFZ, Timor-Leste also solemnly pledges with us to ensure Southeast Asia is always a sanctuary of peace, far from the shadow of nuclear weapons.”
Mohamad Hasan said that accession is not merely a procedural formality, but reflects Timor-Leste’s belief in the ideals of ASEAN and in a shared future built on harmony, cooperation, and mutual respect.
“The road to this goal has been long. From the hardships of its birth, to years of nation-building, to the relentless pursuit of ASEAN membership, Timor-Leste's journey demonstrates extraordinary resilience.”
He said Timor-Leste brings new vitality, fresh perspectives, and a young generation eager to contribute, all of which will enrich ASEAN’s sense of collective identity at the political, cultural, and economic levels.
“ASEAN’s strength has always derived from its diversity, transforming into the capacity for shared objectives. I firmly believe that Timor-Leste’s full participation will further deepen regional cohesion.”
“Thus, today we are not merely welcoming a new member. We reaffirm our faith in an inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking ASEAN. ASEAN is a community united, committed to progress, and rooted in unbreakable bonds of kinship.”
Timor-Leste officially applied to join ASEAN in 2011. In November 2022, ASEAN member states agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste and granted it observer status, while establishing a roadmap to full membership.
In conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit, a signing ceremony for the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste to ASEAN will be held tomorrow, attended by the heads of state and government leaders of each ASEAN country.