DILI, 27 October 2025 (TATOLI) – The government and people of Timor-Leste celebrated the country’s historic accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which was officially formalized on 26 October in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Vice Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino stated that this is a historic moment that has been awaited for many years with hope, patience, and determination.
“Timor-Leste becomes the 11th member of the ASEAN family. This is the result of the collective efforts of the leadership and people of Timor-Leste. From the time of resistance, through the period of national reconstruction to the present day, we have never forgotten our goal: to make Timor-Leste a full member of the regional community to which we naturally belong,” the minister said in the Jardim do Largo de Lecidere, Dili.
According to Assanami, as a full member, Timor-Leste will follow ASEAN’s three main pillars: the Political and Security Pillar, which ensures peace and stability; the Economic Pillar, which promotes prosperity and integrates the country into a market of over 600 million people; and the Sociocultural Pillar, which values the people as the nation’s greatest asset.
Assanami added that within ASEAN, countries learn and collaborate with each other to improve the lives of their people. Membership is a source of pride for Timor-Leste, but it also brings with it the responsibility to actively contribute to the peace, stability, and sustainable development of the region.
“We know we will face many challenges and that, as a small, developing nation, we need to strengthen our institutions, build infrastructure, educate our children, and make our companies more competitive,” he emphasized.
Jemimah Ujang, Representative of the Malaysian Embassy in the country, highlighted that, during the Opening Ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, the member states formally welcomed Timor-Leste as the 11th full member of the association, considering this a moment of great pride and profound significance for all who have followed the country’s journey.
The diplomat recalled that Malaysia has consistently supported Timor-Leste’s aspiration to join ASEAN and that this commitment was reiterated during its Prime Minister’s visit to Dili last month, noting that the achievement of this milestone reflects the organization’s commitment to unity, inclusion, and shared regional identity.
According to Jemimah Ujang, Timor-Leste brings to the association a unique history, a rich culture, and a commitment to peace, democracy, and regional cooperation. She added that its membership strengthens ASEAN and that the country will actively contribute to shared goals in the areas of political security, economic development, and sociocultural progress.
“Tonight’s celebration is more than welcoming a new member. It is a reaffirmation of ASEAN’s founding principles—mutual respect, consensus-building, and solidarity. It is also a testament to the enduring resilience, determination, and courage of the Timorese people and leadership,” she concluded.
Attendees included the President of the National Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay; the Minister of State Administration, Tomás Cabral; members of the Government, parliamentarians, diplomats, development partners, and the Dili community.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
