DILI, 29 October 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Ambassador, Natércia Cipriano Coelho da Silva, officially presented her Letter of Credence to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday, marking the formal commencement of her tenure as the country’s first Permanent Representative to the regional bloc.
The Presentation of Credentials Ceremony followed Timor-Leste’s historic admission as the 11th Member State of ASEAN during the 47th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 26 October 2025.
Timor-Leste first applied for ASEAN membership in 2011 and was granted Observer Status in 2022, which allowed its participation in the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) meetings and ASEAN sectoral bodies. Since then, the country has shown consistent engagement and commitment to ASEAN’s goals by taking part in activities under all three ASEAN Community pillars and the ASEAN Connectivity framework.
During the courtesy call that followed, Secretary-General Dr. Kao congratulated Ambassador Natércia on her appointment as Timor-Leste’s first Permanent Representative to ASEAN and welcomed Timor-Leste as the newest Member State of ASEAN. He expressed confidence that Ambassador Natércia’s leadership and experience will contribute meaningfully to ASEAN’s ongoing Community-building and integration efforts, especially ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future and the four Strategic Plans.
Secretary-General Dr. Kao also reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s readiness to continue supporting the Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste to ASEAN, particularly in facilitating Timor-Leste’s full and effective participation in ASEAN’s processes, mechanisms, works and activities. He further noted that ASEAN is working closely with Timor-Leste and relevant ASEAN bodies to identify and operationalise Timor-Leste’s participation across various ASEAN mechanisms following its admission as a full Member State.
As Permanent Representative, Ambassador Natércia will represent Timor-Leste as a full member of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR), participating in its meetings and engagements with ASEAN sectoral bodies and external partners.
The Presentation of Credentials marks a historic milestone in Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN’s institutional framework. It also reaffirms ASEAN’s enduring commitment to building an inclusive and cohesive region, with Timor-Leste now joining as an equal member committed to advancing shared goals for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
The Ambassador expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome extended to Timor-Leste and reaffirmed her commitment to upholding the responsibilities of a full ASEAN Member State.
“It is a great honour to serve as Timor-Leste’s first Permanent Representative to ASEAN at this historic moment for Timor-Leste. Our membership marks the culmination of a long journey and the beginning of a new chapter of partnership and shared purpose. Timor-Leste stands ready to work closely with all ASEAN Member States and partners to build a region anchored in lasting peace, enduring stability, and shared prosperity for all.”
Journalist: Digna Serrão
Editor: Filomeno Martins
