Timor-Leste officially admitted to Asean, becoming its Ilth member

Hailing the historic milestone, PM Wong urges grouping to deepen integration

- Hariz Baharudin

The announcement came as regional leaders convened for the 47th Asean Summit and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, hosted under Malaysia's current chairmanship.

Timor-Leste's admission was made official after the summit's opening ceremony, marking a milestone for both the island nation of 1.3 million people, and Asean, at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics and persistent global economic uncertainty.

Timor-Leste is the first country to join the grouping since Cambodia's admission in 1999. Its admission was formalised on Oct 26, as Asean leaders endorsed the country's entry as one of the first items on the summit agenda following the opening ceremony.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao joined the 10 Asean leaders for the signing of documents confirming the nation’s long-awaited entry, officially sealing its place as the grouping’s Ilth member. The leaders later posed for photographs and interlocked arms in the traditional Asean gesture of unity.

In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that Timor-Leste’s entry was a “historic milestone” that was the result of years of patient engagement and thoughtful deliberation.

“While there is much work ahead, Singapore will do our part to support Timor-Leste’s integration, so that we can all benefit from a stronger, more united Asean,” he said.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim congratulated TimorLeste and said that its place in the group “completes the Asean family”.

Mr Gusmao said the country’s accession to Asean was a testament to the spirit of its people and their commitment to democracy. Joining the grouping, he said, marked the start of a new era of collaboration and growth within one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

“Timor-Leste joins with humility and with pride, fully embracing core values of Asean — mutual respect, peaceful cooperation, unity in diversity and regional solidarity,” he said.