Timor-Leste set to officially join the ASEAN group in October
Timor-Leste, the youngest democracy in Asia, is set to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its eleventh member state, with full membership status expected at the upcoming ASEAN meeting in Kuala Lumpur later in 2025.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country is the ASEAN chair in 2025, made the announcement at a press conference on May 27. Timor-Leste will reportedly gain full membership at the October ASEAN meeting, but only after completing a few more conditions under the economic pillar.
According to Anwar, ASEAN has reached a consensus on Timor-Leste's membership after several rounds of negotiations. Formerly one of Indonesia's provinces, Timor-Leste was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2002, eventually beginning the process of accession to ASEAN but only formally applying for membership in 2011.
During the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia in 2022, Timor-Leste was admitted in principle as the 11th member of ASEAN and given observer status. Located on the eastern half of the island of Timor, the country shares a western region with Indonesia.
At present, ASEAN consists of ten member states—Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Timor-Leste will likely fill the gap left by the departure of Myanmar, which is currently suspended from the organization due to political unrest.
Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta expressed gratitude for the acceptance of the country's application, noting that not everyone agreed with the decision in 2011. "My deep appreciation to all leaders and officials of ASEAN past and present," Ramos-Horta said on Facebook on May 26.
The young nation's path to full membership was delayed due to concerns among existing member states over Timor-Leste's ability to meet ASEAN's rigorous commitments, such as hosting high-level meetings and fulfilling bureaucratic responsibilities. To demonstrate its readiness, Timor-Leste established embassies in all ASEAN member capitals by 2016.
According to enrichment data, Timor-Leste needs to institute 66 out of 84 required legal instruments for ASEAN membership. Most of these remaining instruments pertain to ASEAN's economic pillar, highlighting Timor-Leste's need to align with the bloc's economic policies and frameworks.
As ASEAN continues to engage with both Washington and Beijing amid ongoing trade and chip tensions, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar expressed optimism about a positive dialogue on the South China Sea. Anwar stressed the importance of working alongside the United States and China to ensure stability and cooperation in the region.
The Straits Times, Part of Asia News Network
Tags: Malaysia, Timor-Leste, ASEAN, membership, Kuala Lumpur
- Timor-Leste's impending membership in ASEAN is expected to boost the country's tourism and business sectors, potentially increasing international economic interactions.
- The joining of Timor-Leste to ASEAN may influence regional politics, particularly in relation to policy-and-legislation and international policy decisions, considering the new member's unique background and perspectives.
- The football community in Timor-Leste could benefit from ASEAN membership, potentially leading to increased opportunities for cultural exchange and friendly matches with other ASEAN nations.
- The recent development of Timor-Leste's membership in ASEAN is a significant event in the general news, as it marks the country's further integration into the Asian continent and its growing role in global affairs.
