By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., along with his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), welcomed Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc.
The country’s accession to the ASEAN was formalized through the signing of the “Declaration on the Admission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste into ASEAN” during the opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) in Malaysia on Sunday.
The signing was led by current ASEAN chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and was followed by Marcos and other Southeast Asian leaders.
Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and President Jose Ramos-Horta then presented the signed declaration to ASEAN Secretary-General Kap Kim Hourn.
In a symbolic gesture, the Timor-Leste flag was also formally placed alongside the flags of 10 other ASEAN member states at the KLCC.
In his speech, Prime Minister Gusmão expressed his gratitude, on behalf of the government and the people of Timor-Leste, to ASEAN for making the historic day possible—noting their country’s path to membership was “long and purposeful” since their application in 2011.
“Our accession is a testament to the spirit of our people—a young democracy born from struggle, now embracing a new era of collaboration and growth within one of the world’s most dynamic regions,” he said.
He also expressed optimism that their full membership to ASEAN would bring “immense” opportunities in areas such as trade, investment, education, and digital economy.
“We are ready to learn, innovate, and to uphold good governance, strengthening our institutions as we walk together toward sustainable development.”
Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar, in his opening speech, highlighted the importance of Timor-Leste’s admission to ASEAN as part of the bloc’s efforts to uphold the ASEAN Community Vision 2045—a 20-year roadmap adopted in May 2025 that aims to build a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN Community.
“Its (Timor-Leste’s) place here completed the ASEAN family, reaffirming our shared destiny and deep sense of regional kinship,” the Malaysian leader said. “Within this community, Timor-Leste’s development and strategic autonomy will find firm and lasting support.” (with reports from Rod Lagusad / PTV News)
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