DILI, 27 May 2025 (TATOLI) – Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, on Monday, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Timor-Leste on its forthcoming accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a full member, a milestone set to be formalized at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025.
Hun Sen extended his congratulations to Timor-Leste after Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the country’s official accession to ASEAN, set for October this year, during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on May 26.
In congratulatory letters addressed separately to President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, Hun Sen praised the commitment and hard work of Timor-Leste’s government and people in their journey towards full ASEAN membership.
He highlighted the announcement made by Prime Minister Ibrahim during the 46th ASEAN Summit, calling it “a proud moment for the Timorese people and a testament to ASEAN’s solidarity, centrality, and commitment to regional integration.”
Hun Sen, speaking on behalf of the Cambodian Senate, its people, and himself, offered warm congratulations to the Timorese people on what he called a historic achievement.
“I was heartened to see the dedicated labor of your government and people over the years so deservedly recognized,” Hun Sen said in his letter addressed to President Horta.
He described the country’s upcoming formal accession as ASEAN’s 11th member at the 47th Summit as a major step forward for the region.
Hun Sen recalled Timor-Leste’s admission “in principle” as ASEAN’s 11th member during the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits held in Phnom Penh in 2022. He commended the progress made since then and reaffirmed Cambodia’s strong support for Timor-Leste’s full integration into the regional bloc.
“As a longstanding friend, Cambodia has wholeheartedly supported Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership,” he stated, emphasizing that Timor-Leste’s inclusion will enrich ASEAN’s collective efforts to “promote unity, inclusiveness, and sustainable development across Southeast Asia.”
Acknowledging the increasingly complex global and regional challenges, Hun Sen stressed the importance of ASEAN solidarity and resilience. He expressed confidence that Timor-Leste’s accession would strengthen “our shared vision for a resilient and cohesive ASEAN Community.”
The Cambodian Senate President concluded by expressing his eagerness to collaborate closely with Timor-Leste as a fellow ASEAN member, underlining a commitment to deepen bilateral ties and advance regional cooperation.
Timor-Leste’s full ASEAN membership in October will mark a historic chapter for the young nation, which has sought closer integration with Southeast Asia since beginning its bid for membership in 2011.
TATOLI
