DILI, 11 November 2025 (TATOLI) – The National Parliament on Tuesday unanimously ratified Resolution No. 48/VI, approving the Declaration on Timor-Leste’s Accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), marking a major milestone in the country’s regional integration.
The ratification follows the signing of the Declaration on Timor-Leste’s Accession to ASEAN, which took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 26, 2025, during the 47th ASEAN Summit. The act symbolized the political recognition of Timor-Leste as a full member of the regional bloc and represents a key step toward the country’s full integration, in accordance with Article 6(4) of the ASEAN Charter.
The Declaration reaffirms that joining ASEAN is a national priority, reflecting “the sovereign will of the Timorese people” to participate actively in promoting peace, stability, sustainable development, and shared prosperity in the region.
Under the Constitution, the National Parliament is responsible for approving the country’s accession and ratification of international treaties and agreements. For this reason, Parliament endorsed the Government’s proposal under Article 95(3)(f) of the Constitution, thereby formalizing Timor-Leste’s full membership in the regional organization.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito Freitas, recalled that the Declaration — signed by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão alongside ASEAN Heads of State and Government — represents a symbolic and decisive political step in Timor-Leste’s full integration into the region.
“The signing of this Declaration constitutes, from a legal and institutional point of view, a historic and indispensable milestone for Timor-Leste’s full integration into ASEAN,” Freitas stated, noting that the instrument officially recognizes Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the organization.
The Minister emphasized that with the resolution’s approval, Timor-Leste has now incorporated the Declaration into its national legal framework, ensuring the effective implementation of its full membership within the “family of Southeast Asian nations.”
According to Freitas, the ratification of the resolution fulfills a historic aspiration of the Timorese people, reinforcing the country’s role in advancing peace, stability, shared prosperity, and mutual respect among nations in the region.
He added that this milestone also marks the beginning of a long-term process to strengthen Timor-Leste’s active and dignified participation in ASEAN over the next two decades, while deepening its commitment to peace, development, and regional solidarity.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
