Timor-Leste marks first anniversary of ASEAN membership
DÍLI, 26 October 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste on Monday marked the first anniversary of its accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), having officially joined the bloc as its 11th member on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The anniversary comes as the country steps up preparations to chair the regional organisation in 2029, with government officials reviewing progress across key areas needed to host and lead ASEAN meetings and activities.
ASEAN Chair National Organising Committee (ACNOC) for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029 held a meeting with representatives from several ministries to assess preparations for the 2029 presidency. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão at the main hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito Freitas said preparations were organised around five key pillars and involved 14 subcommittees, with various ministries participating in the assessment of progress.
He said that the meeting was important to assess preparations in areas such as infrastructure, human resources, institutional and diplomatic aspects, programmes and logistics.
Minister Bendito also said ASEAN membership had created new opportunities for economic cooperation and deeper regional integration, while acknowledging the support provided by other member states throughout Timor-Leste’s accession process.
Timor-Leste’s first year as an ASEAN member marks a new phase in its regional engagement, with the 2029 chairmanship presenting a major opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties, expand economic cooperation and consolidate its role in Southeast Asia.
TATOLI
