ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General meets PM Gusmão to advance Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration
DILI, 31 July 2026 (TATOLI) — ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), Astanah Abdul Aziz, on Thursday met Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão at the Government Palace in Dili on Friday as part of a three-day visit aimed at strengthening Timor-Leste’s institutional capacity and supporting its integration into the regional bloc.
Astanah is visiting Timor-Leste from July 29 to 31 to hold discussions with government institutions on political, security and institutional development as the country continues to deepen its engagement with ASEAN.
Speaking after the meeting, Prime Minister Xanana said ASEAN remains committed to helping Timor-Leste strengthen the capacity of its state institutions, particularly in the political and security sectors, to enable the country to participate more effectively in the organisation’s decision-making processes and regional mechanisms.
“They genuinely want to provide every possible support to ensure Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN is stronger, so that we have the capacity and expertise to think, act and participate actively in the organisation,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the Deputy Secretary-General, accompanied by officials from the ASEAN Secretariat and representatives from the Philippines, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, is holding a series of meetings over two days with Timorese institutions.
The discussions focus on strengthening institutional capacity, including national security-related issues, to help ensure the country can fully meet its responsibilities as an ASEAN member.
According to Xanana, the visit reflects ASEAN’s continued commitment to supporting Timor-Leste in building the institutional capabilities required to fulfil its obligations within the regional organisation.
The visit also forms part of broader efforts by the ASEAN Secretariat to assist Timor-Leste in preparing for its future leadership role, including the country’s planned ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
