DILI, 12 november 2022 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta was pleased with the statement of the ASEAN leaders that the organization will admit Timor-Leste as its 11th member in 2023.
“Yesterday, we received good news as all the ASEAN leaders agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN. I would like to inform you that we began the process in 1974 when I made a visit to meet the former Indonesian foreign minister, Adam Malik, in Jakarta,” President Horta said in Dili.
Horta explained that during their meeting, he told Adam Malik about Timor-Leste’s dream to become a member of ASEAN and gain status as an independent country.
“ASEAN is ready to accept us as its new member, it means that our economy can be improved,” Horta emphasized.
He said in order not to let go of the golden opportunity provided by ASEAN, all Timorese must unite to create peace to ensure that there is no crime in the country.
Horta said Timor-Leste welcomed the ASEAN Leaders’ statement on its application for ASEAN membership, adding the country will look forward to working with the incoming Chairmanship, the Republic of Indonesia.
The Head of State stressed that in the future, the Government should put effort to provide a budget to recruit young Timorese who are qualified in English and have university degrees to contribute to the process.
Timor-Leste officially applied for ASEAN membership on march 4, 2011.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafy Belo
