DILI, 16 June 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste convened the 1st Inter-ministerial Coordination Meeting on 16 June 2025 at the Salão Nobre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC), following the release of the Chairman’s Statement of the 46th ASEAN Summit. The statement acknowledged Timor-Leste’s substantial progress toward full ASEAN membership and confirmed ASEAN Leaders’ decision to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th Member State at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025.
This high-level meeting brought together Members of the Government to coordinate national efforts, assess progress made, and outline next steps following the ASEAN Leaders’ decisions.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão led the meeting, which highlighted the historic opportunity for Timor-Leste to join ASEAN and underscored the importance of institutional coordination in fulfilling membership obligations.
Key agenda items included deliberations on the 46th ASEAN Chairman’s Statement, a review of progress in implementing the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s full membership, and discussions on addressing remaining challenges and upcoming milestones. The meeting also examined negotiation priorities, institutional readiness, and strategic alignment with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The Inter-Ministerial Taskforce for ASEAN Accession, formally established by a Council of Ministers’ Resolution on 29 June 2024, was mandated to finalize the necessary procedures and expedite negotiations on key economic agreements essential for full accession.
This coordination meeting marked a significant milestone in Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession journey, reaffirming the country’s commitment and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the regional community.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
