KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao described Timor-Leste’s accession into ASEAN as a “dream realized,” calling it a powerful affirmation of the Timorese people’s history of resilience, determination, and hope.
Speaking today at the 47th ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Gusmao stated that the signing of the Declaration on Timor-Leste’s admission not only marked a major milestone but also reaffirmed ASEAN’s vision of a truly united family of nations, sharing common values, aspirations, and a collective destiny.
“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 realised, but a powerful affirmation of our journey – one marked by resilience, determination, and hope,” he said.
“For ASEAN, it is the continuation of a vision: a truly united family of nations, bound together by shared values, common aspirations, and a collective destiny,” he added.
The Prime Minister extended deep gratitude to all ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Chair, and the ASEAN Secretariat for the trust and unwavering solidarity they demonstrated throughout Timor-Leste’s sustained effort to secure membership.
“Since we applied in 2011, we have prepared our institutions, reformed our policies, and strengthened our readiness – guided by the wisdom, support and patience of ASEAN and its partners,” he said.
Gusmão said Timor-Leste’s accession is a testament to the spirit of its 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.”
Joining ASEAN “with humility and with pride,” he stated that Timor-Leste is fully committed to the bloc’s core values of mutual respect, peaceful cooperation, unity in diversity, and regional solidarity.
“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, and to be part of efforts to build resilience, deepen unity, and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
Highlighting the future, Gusmão noted that ASEAN membership offers immense prospects in trade, investment, education, and the digital economy.
“We are ready to learn, to innovate, and to uphold good governance, strengthening our institutions as we walk together toward sustainable development,” he said.
He stressed that the nation’s ASEAN journey is “not the end of a journey,” but rather the commencement of an inspiring new chapter.
“Together, we will advance the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 – a peaceful, prosperous, resilient, and people-centred ASEAN, with Timor-Leste as an active contributor,” he added.
Timor-Leste officially became the 11th member state of ASEAN today, marking a historic milestone for both the young nation and the regional bloc.
The accession was officially sealed with the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste into ASEAN, a ceremony witnessed by ASEAN leaders and dignitaries, including current ASEAN Chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.