DILI, 19 May 2026 (TATOLI) — ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn expressed confidence in Timor-Leste’s preparations to assume the rotating chairmanship of the regional bloc in 2029, highlighting the country’s progress since becoming a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations last October.
Kao arrived in Timor-Leste on Tuesday to attend the country’s 24th Restoration of Independence anniversary celebrations, which will be marked on May 20.
He made the remarks after meeting Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão at the Government Palace in Dili.
Kao said 2026 marked a historic year for ASEAN, noting that the bloc amended its charter for the first time to pave the way for Timor-Leste’s full accession. He added that Timor-Leste had already begun contributing to discussions among regional leaders, including during ASEAN’s 48th Summit.
“We have confidence in Timor-Leste under the leadership of the Prime Minister. The country has demonstrated significant progress and achievements as part of the ASEAN family,” he said.
During his visit, Kao is also expected to strengthen cooperation between the ASEAN Secretariat and Timor-Leste, while supporting the country’s integration into the bloc’s regional single market and production base.
He said Timor-Leste was no longer only a domestic market of around 1.5 million people, but was now part of a regional market of nearly 700 million consumers.
According to Kao, Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN is expected to increase investment, tourism, trade and connectivity, generating long-term economic benefits.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão said ASEAN membership would create broad opportunities for cooperation and national development.
“There are many opportunities ASEAN member states can offer Timor-Leste, particularly in the areas of economy, business, investment and other sectors,” Gusmão said.
He added that deeper engagement with ASEAN would open new prospects for the country’s long-term development.
Before meeting the prime minister, Kao also held talks with Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas in Dili.
Freitas described the visit as historic, saying it came after Timor-Leste officially became ASEAN’s 11th full member on Oct. 26, 2025.
“The presence of the Secretary-General demonstrates ASEAN’s commitment and full support for Timor-Leste,” he said.
According to Freitas, the two sides also discussed institutional challenges linked to Timor-Leste’s preparations to chair ASEAN in 2029.
He said ministries were strengthening inter-agency coordination to accelerate preparations in priority sectors, including infrastructure, airports, hospitals, the convention centre, hotels and logistics.
Also attending the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Deputy Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino, Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel, and Vice Minister of Trade and Industry Augusto Júnior Trindade.
TATOLI
