DILI, 26 October 2025 (TATOLI) — Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão declared Timor-Leste’s formal admission into ASEAN as a “dream realized,” marking a historic moment for the nation as it joins the regional bloc as its 11th Member State.
The momentous declaration was signed during the 47th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, witnessed by ASEAN Leaders, the President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, Members of Timor-Leste’s National Parliament, and the ASEAN Secretary-General.
In his address at the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão described the occasion as a defining moment in the nation’s history – a culmination of years of effort, determination, and hope.
“Today, history is made. Timor-Leste has been admitted as the 11th Member State of ASEAN. For the people of Timor Leste, this is not only a dream realized, but a powerful affirmation of our journey – one marked by resilience, determination, and hope,” Prime Minister Gusmão declared.
He expressed deep gratitude to ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Chair, the ASEAN Secretariat, and Dialogue Partners for their trust and unwavering support throughout Timor-Leste’s path to full membership.
Since applying in 2011, Timor-Leste has worked tirelessly to strengthen its institutions, reform policies, and enhance readiness in line with ASEAN’s standards.
“Our accession is a testament to the spirit of our people – a young democracy, born from struggle, now embracing a new era of collaboration and growth within one of the world’s most dynamic regions,” the Prime Minister said.
Gusmão affirmed that Timor-Leste joins ASEAN with humility and pride, fully embracing its core values of mutual respect, peaceful cooperation, unity in diversity, and regional solidarity. He underscored that membership is both a natural affiliation – rooted in culture and geography – and a strategic imperative for the nation’s development.
“Timor Leste enters ASEAN with full commitment to its Charter, ready to be a constructive, peaceful, and devoted member. We pledge to work with all Member States to keep our region peaceful, open, and prosperous,” he added.
The Prime Minister emphasized that ASEAN membership opens new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, education, and the digital economy, signaling Timor-Leste’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
“This is not the end of a journey – this is the beginning of an inspiring new chapter. Together, we will advance a peaceful, prosperous, resilient, and people-centered ASEAN, with Timor-Leste as an active contributor,” he concluded
As the declaration was signed by all ASEAN leaders, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão’s beaming smile symbolized the culmination of more than a decade of effort and the start of a new chapter – Timor-Leste’s full integration into the ASEAN family.
Journalist: Digna Serrão
Editor: Filomeno Martins
