DILI, 25 October 2025 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste has officially taken its place as the eleventh member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after depositing its Instruments of Accession to the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ).
The Instruments of Accession were officially deposited by Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister, Bendito Freitas, on October 25, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia.
Timor-Leste’s Instrument of Accession to the ASEAN Charter was formally handed over to the ASEAN Secretary-General, Kao Kim Hourn, in the presence of Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato’ Seri Utama Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, and the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Member States.
The formal submission marks a historic milestone for the region, signifying ASEAN’s expansion to include all sovereign states of Southeast Asia under one regional community.
Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, described the moment as a defining chapter in ASEAN’s history.
“It is a historic moment that greets us today,” he said. “I am delighted to announce that Timor-Leste has officially deposited its Instruments of Accession to the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone.”
“This effectively marks Timor-Leste’s full admission as the eleventh member of ASEAN, and the expansion of ASEAN’s scope to include each and every sovereign state in this home we share,” he added.
On behalf of Malaysia and all ASEAN Member States, Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad extended warm congratulations to the Government and people of Timor-Leste. “As the Chair of ASEAN, I am honoured to share this moment with all of you,” he said.
He lauded Timor-Leste as “a nation built on courage, perseverance, and unyielding hope,” and welcomed its full inclusion into the regional bloc. “Today, we celebrate you as you join a family that has long awaited your full inclusion. Welcome to the ASEAN Family, and to our venerated Charter.”
Highlighting the significance of the ASEAN Charter, the Minister said, “The ASEAN Charter is more than just a foundational document. It is the heartbeat of our shared vision, a covenant of trust, respect, and solidarity that has bound our diverse nations together in pursuit of peace and prosperity.”
He stressed that by acceding to the Charter, “Timor-Leste has pledged to walk hand-in-hand with us, weaving the aspirations of its people into the fabric of our ever-evolving ASEAN community.”
Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad also underscored Timor-Leste’s commitment to peace and security through its accession to the SEANWFZ Treaty. “Through the SEANWFZ Treaty, Timor-Leste also joins us in a solemn commitment to ensure that Southeast Asia remains a sanctuary of peace, free from the shadow of nuclear weapons,” he said.
“It is a testament to our enduring resolve to preserve our region as one of peace, stability, and shared security,” he continued.
He emphasized that Timor-Leste’s accession “reflects more than just institutional formality” and represents “Timor-Leste’s strong faith in ASEAN’s ideals, and a profound belief in our collective future — a future built on harmony, cooperation, and mutual respect.”
Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad acknowledged Timor-Leste’s long journey toward membership, describing it as “one of remarkable tenacity — from the struggles of its birth, to the years of state-building, and the patient pursuit of ASEAN membership.”
“As we look ahead, we do so with optimism,” he said. “Timor-Leste brings new energy, fresh perspectives, and a youthful population ready to contribute. Your presence will enrich ASEAN’s collective identity — not only in demography, but politically, culturally, and economically.”
He reaffirmed ASEAN’s enduring strength in its diversity, stating, “ASEAN’s strength has always been found in its diversity, and its ability to transform that diversity into shared purpose. I firmly believe that Timor-Leste’s full participation will further deepen this regional cohesion.”
“Today, we are not just welcoming a new member,” he concluded. “We are reaffirming our belief in an ASEAN that is inclusive, resilient, and future-ready — one community, united in peace, committed to progress, and grounded in the unbreakable bonds of kinship.”
Journalist: Digna Serrão
Editor: Filomeno Martins
