DILI, 19 february 2026 (TATOLI) — Small states can exercise regional influence through “consistency, credibility and strategic cooperation”, Brunei’s second foreign minister, Erywan Pehin Yusof said on thursday during a lecture in Dili, as Timor-Leste deepens engagement with Southeast Asia’s regional bloc.
Speaking at the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Noble Hall in Dili, Yusof delivered a lecture titled “ASEAN: Lessons from a Small State”, as part of his official visit to Timor-Leste, which runs until 20 february.
He said small nations such as Brunei Darussalam can exert meaningful regional influence when they build trust and pursue steady diplomacy.
Yusof said that when rules are clear and respected, even the smallest states can assert themselves, adding that Brunei’s experience demonstrates that diplomacy based on trust and consistency carries real weight for small nations.
ASEAN integration offers “tangible” gains
The minister told an audience of students, diplomats and civil society representatives that ASEAN membership provides concrete opportunities for economic growth, trade integration and institutional strengthening.
He said regional economic integration brings “tangible” advantages such as lower tariffs, improved market access, more competitive exports and expanded opportunities in finance, technology and education.
Yusof added that the true value of regional integration lies in the effective implementation of rules, simplicity and transparency, which ensure all members benefit, stressing that countries are equal participants in a regional community with both a voice and responsibilities.
He stressed that Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership carries an active responsibility “to contribute to collective stability and affirm national sovereignty within the regional context.
Timor-Leste faces “continuous challenge” as ASEAN member
Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas said the country’s accession to ASEAN in october last year was not merely a formal act, but a process requiring institutional strengthening, policy alignment and diplomatic discipline.
“Full ASEAN membership is not an end point but a continuous challenge that compels us to contribute actively and responsibly to regional development,” he said. “Our participation allows us not only to affirm Timor-Leste’s sovereignty, but also to reinforce collective stability and prosperity.”
Minister Freitas added that active participation in ASEAN opens strategic opportunities across sectors including the economy, trade, education and security, and highlighted the importance of regional cooperation to tackle global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation and economic competition.
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