Post by : Bianca
Haleem
East Timor has formally been admitted as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a landmark step for the young republic. The accession instruments were signed at the opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in the presence of leaders from member states and visiting heads of state.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao hailed the event as a "historic beginning," underlining its significance for the country’s economic prospects. "For the people of East Timor, this is more than a dream realised — it is validation of our national journey," he said.
Since gaining independence in 2002, East Timor has worked to meet ASEAN's economic, political and security benchmarks. Membership now places the nation on a path toward closer integration with regional programmes and cooperation in areas such as education, infrastructure and technology.
ASEAN leaders offered a warm reception to East Timor, stressing the strategic importance of its inclusion. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono described accession as the start of a deeper partnership and said collective support from member states will be key to East Timor's full integration.
Officials expect ASEAN membership to boost foreign investment and trade, reinforce diplomatic ties across the region, and give East Timor a stronger voice in shaping Southeast Asia’s future.
English
