DILI, 24 October 2025 (TATOLI) — President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão traveled to Malaysia on Friday to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit, where Timor-Leste’s full membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will be formally formalized.
The summit is being held in Kuala Lumpur from October 24 to 28 and will mark the country’s official accession as ASEAN’s 11th full member.
The signing of the Declaration of Accession will take place during the summit’s official opening session, attended by heads of state and government from ASEAN member countries.
The ceremony will mark the culmination of a process that began in 2011, when Timor-Leste first submitted its formal application to join the regional bloc.
According to the presidential office, on October 26, President Ramos-Horta will witness the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste to ASEAN, symbolizing more than two decades of preparation for full integration into the organization.
“This participation demonstrates Timor-Leste’s commitment to its future as a member of the Southeast Asian family, and to regional peace and prosperity,” said Ramos-Horta in a statement.
The following day, the president will hold bilateral meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio and European Council President António Costa.
That evening, he will attend a dinner hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The visit will conclude with a lecture at Taylor’s University, where Ramos-Horta, as an Honorary Professor, will address students from the School of Law and Governance.
According to the government agenda, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão will take part in several meetings and side events, including the plenary session of the 47th ASEAN Summit, where he will present the amendment protocol to the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement.
He will also participate in bilateral and regional summits with Japan, India, the United States, South Korea, New Zealand, and Australia.
Gusmão will attend meetings of regional initiatives such as the Asian Zero Emissions Community, the East Asia Summit, and the ASEAN–United Nations Summit.
The program concludes with the ASEAN closing ceremony and the handover of the organization’s rotating chairmanship to the Philippines.
Gusmão’s agenda also includes bilateral meetings with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
The Prime Minister will take part in multiple thematic sessions, including the 20th East Asia Summit, the 26th ASEAN–South Korea Summit, the 28th ASEAN–China Summit, the 5th ASEAN–Australia Summit, and the 15th ASEAN–United Nations Summit.
The summit will conclude with a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Finally, Gusmão will attend a lecture by Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Tuanku Muhriz, titled “Timor-Leste’s Accession to ASEAN: An Act of Solidarity in a Fragmented World.”
Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN represents the achievement of one of the nation’s most strategic foreign policy goals — strengthening regional ties to promote peace, stability, and progress.
This objective is also enshrined in the Strategic Development Plan 2011–2030, which identifies ASEAN integration as a national priority.
Since its formal application in 2011, Timor-Leste has undergone a comprehensive evaluation and capacity-building process under ASEAN supervision.
In 2022, ASEAN leaders agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as an observer. In 2023, they approved a Roadmap for Full Membership to guide institutional and technical preparations.
By 2025, after meeting most of the criteria outlined in the roadmap, Timor-Leste was deemed ready for full integration.
The process was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, supported by an inter-ministerial working group led by the Prime Minister, ensuring institutional consolidation and alignment with ASEAN principles.
Benefits and Opportunities
Membership in ASEAN opens a new chapter for Timor-Leste. It grants access to a regional single market of more than 660 million people and expands opportunities for trade, investment, education, and labor mobility.
With this step, Timor-Leste strengthens its position within Southeast Asia — gaining a stronger voice in regional and global platforms, and contributing to peace, sustainable development, and cooperation among nations.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
