DILI, 26 May 2025 (TATOLI) – Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has officially announced that Timor-Leste has made significant progress in implementing the roadmap adopted in 2023, and could be officially welcomed as the 11th member of the bloc at the 47th ASEAN Summit, scheduled for October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.
Prime Minister Ibrahim made the landmark announcement at the 46th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ibrahim extended his deepest appreciation, gratitude, and recognition to all parties—both within ASEAN and beyond—who have tirelessly contributed to this significant milestone. Prime Minister commended their dedication, cooperation, and unwavering commitment to regional solidarity and inclusivity.
“This marks a historic moment not only for Timor-Leste, but for the entire ASEAN family. The journey of Timor-Leste toward full membership reflects our collective vision for a united, cohesive, and forward-looking ASEAN,” Prime Minister Anwar said in a statement.
In a joint press conference, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Laotian counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone, reiterated their support for Timor-Leste’s full ASEAN membership, stating that it is time to finalize the country’s accession process.
Last Thursday, the Philippines also formally expressed its support for Timor-Leste’s bid to join ASEAN.
“We are supportive of Timor-Leste joining the ASEAN,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier Imperial said in a Malacañang press briefing on Thursday.
Addressing questions about the past controversy involving former Representative Arnie Teves and its connection to Timor-Leste, Imperial clarified that “the matter remains under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and falls outside the scope of ASEAN discussions.”
During the celebration of Timor-Leste’s Restoration of Independence, on May 20, 2025, President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to joining the bloc by the end of the year.
“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.”
Timor-Leste began its bid for ASEAN membership in 2011, nine years after its independence in 2002.
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