KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Timor Leste is optimistic about securing full Asean membership by the end of the year, possibly in October.
Timor Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, expressing confidence in the process, said the country has made significant progress in meeting the membertship criteria.
“We hope to conclude the process by year end, possibly October, as there is broad support from Asean members.
“We have done our best and fulfilled most of the necessary requirements,” he told reporters during a doorstep interview before attending the 14th Asean-AIPA (Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly) Leaders’ Interface, held in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit today.
Timor Leste, which first applied for Asean membership in 2011, was granted observer status at high-level meetings in 2022. However, its full integration is still under evaluation.
Timor Leste Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas said yesterday that joining Asean is not just about economic gains but also about amplifying Timor Leste’s voice on the regional stage.
“Full membership is vital for the small nation of 1.4 million people, not only for economic benefits, but to highlight the country’s strategic position between Indonesia and Australia, aligning with Asean’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific,” Freitas said.
— Bernama
