Timor-Leste reviews ASEAN integration and preparations for 2029 chairmanship

DÍLI, 28 October 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste has reviewed progress in its integration into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and preparations to lead the regional bloc in 2029, as the country marked the first anniversary of its membership.

The government held its fifth Interministerial Coordination Meeting on ASEAN accession and the fourth meeting of the National Council for the Organisation of the ASEAN Chairmanship (ACNOC) on 26 October to assess progress and coordinate preparations for the country’s future responsibilities within the bloc.

The meetings coincided with the first anniversary of Timor-Leste’s admission to ASEAN. The country became the organisation’s 11th member on 26 October 2025, during the bloc’s 47th summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

 Over the past year, Timor-Leste has actively participated in ASEAN’s institutional structures and mechanisms while continuing to integrate into the organisation and fulfil its membership commitments.

The interministerial meeting reviewed the progress made so far and discussed coordination priorities among government ministries and national institutions involved in the integration process.

The discussions also covered preparations for Timor-Leste’s 2029 ASEAN chairmanship, including organisational and institutional planning and the gradual formulation of the country’s priorities for leading the regional bloc.

Economic cooperation was another focus, including preparations for the Priority Economic Deliverables (PED) and their alignment with national plans for the 2029 chairmanship.

The meetings form part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination across national institutions as Timor-Leste continues its ASEAN integration and prepares to assume leadership of the regional organisation in 2029.

TATOLI