DILI, 29 May 2025 (TATOLI) — The Government of Timor-Leste has approved a draft resolution to create an inter-ministerial task force tasked with implementing key recommendations from the ASEAN Chair’s Statement following the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This task force aims to complete the necessary formal procedures and expedite negotiations on the main economic agreements essential for Timor-Leste’s full accession to the organization.
These agreements are vital to Timor-Leste’s planned full membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The task force will bring together representatives from various ministries to ensure coordinated efforts and timely progress toward meeting ASEAN’s accession requirements.
This move demonstrates Timor-Leste’s commitment to regional integration and its readiness to join the bloc as a full member, which is scheduled for October 2025.
During the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, ASEAN leaders agreed to admit Timor-Leste as the bloc’s 11th member at the 47th summit scheduled for October 2025.
Timor-Leste began its bid for ASEAN membership in 2011, nine years after its independence in 2002.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
