DILI, 25 september (TATOLI)— The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MoFAC), in collaboration with the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL), held a seminar entitled “Discussing the Roadmap for Full Membership of Timor-Leste in ASEAN”.
The seminar was held to introduce the Roadmap for Full Membership of Timor-Leste in ASEAN to the students from UNTL.
Deputy Minister of ASEAN Affairs for Timor-Leste, Milena Rangel, stated that ASEAN is a national agenda that is in line with Timor-Leste’s foreign policy objectives.
“The Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN, adopted in May 2023 in Labuan-Bajo, Indonesia, is very important and has become a guiding principle for Timor-Leste to focus and align Timor-Leste’s policies, resources, and efforts in directing the process towards full membership in ASEAN,” Milena Rangel said in the office of MoFAC, Praia dos Coqueiros, Dili.
This session is also intended to intensify the dissemination of information and increase awareness among the general public, especially students, about Timor-Leste’s accession process and the status of the implementation of the Road Map, including future challenges and opportunities.
Likewise, the Rector of UNTL, João Soares, also briefly highlighted the importance of the seminar in increasing the knowledge of students and young people who are preparing for the world of work.
“Students and young people in general must be involved in this kind of discourse and discussion to obtain information about the opportunities that Timor-Leste and its young people will get after Timor-Leste joins ASEAN,” he said.
This event was carried out with an in-depth talk show bringing various perspectives and topics in light of ASEAN’s three pillars (political, economic, and socio-cultural security), including the spotlight given to the ASEAN Post-2025 Vision.
The seminar discussed and outlined how Timor-Leste’s regional integration can improve Timor-Leste’s socio-economic development and highlighted the extent to which Timor-Leste’s accession to the regional bloc can further strengthen its regional relations with ASEAN member countries for the sake of sustainable peace and stability and inclusiveness within the region and outside the region.
According to the plan, Timor-Leste will become a full member of ASEAN in 2025.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia Borges
