DILI, 20 May 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste has once again reaffirmed its commitment to joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), expressing hope for formal accession to the bloc by the end of 2025.
The statement was made by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, during his remarks at the celebration of the 23rd Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence Day 2025, held today at the Presidential Palace in Dili.
“We are pleased with the unanimous decision of regional leaders to welcome Timor-Leste into ASEAN and with the Roadmap for formal accession, which we hope will be finalized in 2025,” Horta said. “By inviting Timor-Leste to join ASEAN and presenting us with a Roadmap, the Member States tested our determination and capacity — and we are responding with strong commitment across all sectors and treaties, fulfilling 6 out of the 7 required pillars.”
Since assuming his second term in 2022, Horta has made Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership the top strategic priority of his mandate — a commitment that dates back to his earlier roles as Minister of Foreign Affairs (2002–2006), Prime Minister (2006–2007), and President during his first term (2007–2012).
“It is a strategic priority, a great national cause, that we continue to pursue with dedication as an Observer Member — with the hope of full membership, possibly by the end of 2025,” he reiterated.
Looking ahead to its ASEAN membership, the Head of State said that Timor-Leste be a responsible, active, and committed Member, “with humility and discretion, always seeking to learn from the other Member States in order to contribute to the promotion of dialogue and consensus.”
Horta also highlighted Timor-Leste’s desire to contribute to strengthening regional conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms that ensure peace and stability in the region.
Horta acknowledged ASEAN’s rich cultural diversity. “Nations and countries are truly rich when they shine through their ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and religious diversity. Diversity is not a threat to unity, but a treasure that must be cherished, respected, and celebrated.”
Timor-Leste currently holds Observer State status within ASEAN, granting it the right to participate in all summits of Heads of State and Government, ministerial meetings, senior officials’ meetings, and technical-level gatherings.
So far, Timor-Leste has undertaken several key steps towards ASEAN accession, including nationwide advocacy campaigns and dialogues to amplify ASEAN awareness, participation in capacity-building and leadership programs, and strengthening bilateral relationships with all ASEAN Member States. Timor-Leste also has an extensive technical work program, to introduce ASEAN legal frameworks into its national policy development, ensuring alignment and integration of government policies and regulatory frameworks with ASEAN standards.
Timor-Leste began its bid for ASEAN membership in 2011, nine years after its independence in 2002.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
