DILI, 04 December 2025 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on Thursday led the 3rd Inter-Ministerial Coordination Meeting on ASEAN, held at the Salão Nobre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC).
The meeting brought together members of the Government and senior officials from various ministries to coordinate Timor-Leste’s active participation as the 11th full member of ASEAN, following its formal accession on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The meeting updated progress undertaken following Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership, including the submission of Instruments of Accession to ASEAN legal instruments, and measures to be undertaken related to the completion of domestic legal procedures for the remaining ASEAN legal instruments.
The Members of the Government also discussed integration into ASEAN structures, emphasizing the importance of designated focal points, capacity building, human resource reinforcement, and the creation of ASEAN Units or Coordinators across all ministries. These measures aim to ensure effective coordination, representation, and safeguarding of Timor-Leste’s interests in all ASEAN activities.
The meeting also covered preparations for Timor-Leste’s potential future leadership roles in ASEAN, logistical and financial arrangements for participation in meetings, and updates on traditional delicacies.
This Inter-Ministerial Coordination Meeting reaffirms the Government’s commitment to be an active, reliable, and forward-looking member of ASEAN. As the newest member state, Timor-Leste is prepared to implement its obligations and to contribute meaningfully to ASEAN’s shared goals of stability, prosperity, and regional integration.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
