KUALA LUMPUR: Asia’s youngest nation, East Timor (Timor-Leste), was officially admitted as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Sunday, marking a historic milestone for both the country and the regional bloc.
The announcement came at the closing session of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where leaders of the ten member states signed the formal accession documents, welcoming East Timor into the organization after years of observer status and gradual integration.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, who led the independence movement against Indonesian occupation and is now guiding East Timor’s post-conflict development, hailed the moment as a “dream realized” for his country’s 1.3 million citizens.
“Joining ASEAN is not only about diplomacy, it’s about securing our rightful place in the regional family and strengthening cooperation for peace and prosperity,” Gusmão said.
LONG ROAD TO MEMBERSHIP
East Timor first applied for ASEAN membership in 2011, but its admission was delayed over concerns regarding its economic readiness and administrative capacity. The country was granted observer status in 2022, and ASEAN agreed in principle to admit it, pending institutional adjustments and readiness assessments.
ASEAN leaders said East Timor’s accession was a reaffirmation of the bloc’s commitment to inclusivity and regional solidarity. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who hosted the summit, said:
“East Timor’s inclusion completes our Southeast Asian family and strengthens ASEAN’s unity at a time when the region faces growing global challenges.”
STRATEGIC TIMING
East Timor’s entry comes amid a shifting geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific, with ASEAN striving to maintain centrality amid intensifying U.S.-China rivalry. Analysts say East Timor’s location between Indonesia and Australia enhances the bloc’s strategic importance in maritime trade and energy security.
The new member is expected to benefit from ASEAN’s economic frameworks, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), while contributing to regional dialogue on climate resilience, sustainable development, and democratic governance.
ECONOMIC CHALLENGES AHEAD
Despite its oil and gas wealth, East Timor remains one of Asia’s poorest nations, heavily reliant on petroleum revenues and foreign aid. Experts note that ASEAN membership could open new avenues for trade, investment, and tourism, but warn that the country must address bureaucratic inefficiencies and youth unemployment to fully capitalize on integration.
The ASEAN Secretariat confirmed that East Timor will chair ASEAN in 2034, following the established rotation system, giving it nearly a decade to strengthen institutional and economic capacity.
REGIONAL AND GLOBAL REACTIONS
The United Nations, Australia, and the European Union congratulated East Timor on its full membership. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it “a powerful symbol of resilience and regional cooperation.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong tweeted, “A proud day for our friends in Timor-Leste. ASEAN’s strength grows with every member committed to peace, democracy, and shared prosperity.”
China and the United States also issued statements welcoming East Timor’s admission, both pledging to deepen cooperation with ASEAN’s newest member.
-Rozanna Latiff
