DILI, 29 October 2025 (TATOLI) – Thousands of people flooded the streets of Dili on Wednesday, October 29, to welcome President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão following Timor-Leste’s historic accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Crowds began gathering early at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport and along the route to the Presidential Palace, waving national and ASEAN flags to celebrate the nation’s new regional status. The atmosphere of festivity continued into the afternoon as the Prime Minister arrived from Malaysia, where the country’s full membership in ASEAN was formalized last Sunday in Kuala Lumpur.
Vice-Prime-Minister and Minister for Social Affairs Mariano Assanami Sabino led the official welcoming ceremony, joined by members of the Government, the National Parliament, and diplomatic representatives from ASEAN member states accredited in Timor-Leste.
After the ceremonies, motorcades carrying the President and the Prime Minister made their way through Dili, greeted by cheering crowds of young people, students, and families who lined the streets in celebration of what many called a defining moment in the country’s history.
At a press conference, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão described Timor-Leste’s entry into ASEAN as “a great opportunity” and “a great responsibility—to ourselves, to ASEAN countries, and above all, to the Timorese people.”
“All of us, especially young people. Now is the time to prepare, because in the future you will reap the benefits. But you can’t just wait for the benefits, you have to work, learn, and open your mind. We have to change our character and our mindset,” he said.
He urged citizens, particularly the younger generation, to play an active role in shaping the nation’s future. “I have often said, especially to young people, don’t just ask the State what the State can give you, ask instead what you can give to this country and its people. You need to increase your knowledge, deepen it, so that you are better prepared. The time will come when you will be the ones to lead Timor-Leste down a truly promising path,” he added.
The Prime Minister emphasized that ASEAN membership “is not the end, but the beginning of a new phase,” highlighting the need for stronger efforts in education, agriculture, health, cybersecurity, and building a modern, sustainable economy.
President José Ramos-Horta expressed his joy at the nation’s achievement and credited the Prime Minister’s leadership for bringing Timor-Leste into ASEAN. “All credit goes to Prime Minister Xanana, who, with incredible determination, has led the country to where we are today—a member of ASEAN. Now we must work hard to ensure that ASEAN is satisfied with Timor-Leste’s development,” he said.
The leaders’ return marked the symbolic conclusion of 14 years of negotiations and the beginning of a new chapter in Timor-Leste’s engagement with Southeast Asia. The country’s full membership underscores its commitment to peace, stability, cooperation, and shared prosperity within the ASEAN community.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
