KUALA LUMPUR, 28 October 2025 (TATOLI) – The Ambassador of Ukraine to Malaysia, Dr. Hennadii Nadolenko, has extended congratulations to His Excellency José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, on the nation’s historic accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its 11th full member.
In his official letter addressed to H.E. José Ramos-Horta, Ambassador Dr. Hennadii Nadolenko praised this achievement as a major milestone for Timor-Leste and the wider region.
“Yesterday, Timor-Leste joined ASEAN and became the 11th full member of the organization. This historic step opens a wide range of strategic opportunities for this young nation — from deeper integration into regional economic processes and participation in Southeast Asia’s major development programs, to access to a vast single market of over 600 million people,” he stated.
“It will enable Timor-Leste to attract new investments and technologies, develop its infrastructure and emerging industries, and take a more active role in regional security cooperation and diplomatic dialogue. Equally important, ASEAN membership will help expand cultural and educational exchanges within the ASEAN family, strengthening mutual understanding and solidarity across the region.”
The Ambassador described Timor-Leste’s accession as a symbol of ASEAN’s growing unity and inclusiveness, adding that he had the honour to personally congratulate Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on this significant achievement and to convey the sincere greetings of Ukraine’s leadership.
Dr. Hennadii Nadolenko noted that the development of bilateral relations with Timor-Leste, as the newest ASEAN member, offers new opportunities for Ukraine to enhance cooperation in Southeast Asia. He also underlined that Ukraine and Timor-Leste share many similarities in their historical experiences and aspirations.
“Our two nations have walked challenging paths toward independence and freedom. Just as Ukraine aspires to become a full member of the European Union, we understand and support Timor-Leste’s journey within ASEAN,” he said.
“Ukraine highly values its friendship with Timor-Leste and stands ready to share its experience in areas such as food security, digitalisation, and cybersecurity, which are vital for sustainable national development.”
Ambassador Nadolenko revealed that the Embassy of Ukraine in Malaysia is seeking for a well-known and respected Timor-Leste resident who is devoted to developing mutually beneficial Ukraine-Timor relations, B2B and people-to-people ties to be appointed as an Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Timor-Leste. Ukraine sees Timor-Leste not only as a friendly nation who share same values of freedom and independence with Ukraine, but also as a gate way to the Pacific.
He also announced his intention to present his Letters of Credence to President José Ramos-Horta in the near future and to visit Timor-Leste “to further reinforce friendship and explore new avenues of cooperation.”
“I wish the people of Timor-Leste prosperity and a bright future as a full member of the ASEAN family. Ukraine stands ready to work closely with your country in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in our regions,” the Ambassador concluded.
Journalist: Digna Serrão
Editor: Filomeno Martins
