DILI, 23 May 2025 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste welcomed the Philippine government’s official endorsement of its bid for full membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as announced on the website of the Presidential Communications Office on May 22, 2025.
The announcement was made by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier Imperial during a press briefing at Malacañang Palace, in the lead-up to the 2025 ASEAN Summit set to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 26–27.
The summit will be chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim under the theme “Inclusion and Sustainability.
“We support Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN”, said Dominic Xavier Imperial, stressing that the issue “is certainly on the agenda” of the ASEAN leaders’ meeting.
He added that “ASEAN members are following a roadmap for Timor-Leste’s accession to the regional bloc, which demonstrates the group’s continued commitment to expanding the number of ASEAN members”.
In response, the Government of Timor-Leste reaffirmed its commitment to “constructively contribute to the objectives of ASEAN and renew its dedication to enhancing cooperation with all Member States for the benefit of peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.”
“This public support from the Philippines bolsters the efforts that Timor-Leste has been making to meet the criteria outlined in the Roadmap for Full Membership, particularly regarding legal, institutional, and political alignment with the three pillars of the ASEAN Community,” Government of Timor-Leste said in a statement.
Related News: Philippines Announces Official Support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership
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