Sun Oct 26 04:54:55 UTC 2025: ## East Timor Joins ASEAN, Marking a “New Chapter” for Young Nation

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – East Timor officially became the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Sunday, a moment hailed as a historic milestone by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. The flag of East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, was raised alongside the other member states at a ceremony during the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, met with enthusiastic applause.

“For the people of Timor-Leste, this is not only a dream realised, but a powerful affirmation of our journey,” an emotional Gusmao declared, calling it the beginning of an “inspiring new chapter” for his nation.

The accession, which follows a 14-year wait, is seen as a significant achievement for Malaysia, the current chair of ASEAN. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that East Timor’s membership “completes the ASEAN family,” emphasizing the shared destiny and regional kinship.

East Timor’s journey to independence has been fraught with challenges. After centuries of Portuguese rule and a subsequent occupation by Indonesia, the country gained full independence in 2002. President Jose Ramos-Horta, a long-time advocate for ASEAN membership and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, first proposed the idea in the 1970s, aiming to secure his country’s future through regional integration.

As one of Asia’s poorest nations, with a population of 1.4 million and a reliance on dwindling oil and gas reserves, East Timor hopes that ASEAN membership will unlock opportunities for economic growth and diversification. Access to ASEAN’s free trade agreements, investment networks, and broader regional market are expected to be key benefits.

While acknowledging the economic challenges, President Ramos-Horta has emphasized East Timor’s potential contribution to ASEAN, particularly in conflict resolution. He highlighted the nation’s experience in navigating disputes and its commitment to dialogue, offering valuable insights for addressing regional issues like border disputes and the South China Sea.

With this expansion, ASEAN, which began with five members in 1967, continues to strengthen its regional influence and foster greater cooperation among Southeast Asian nations. East Timor’s membership represents a significant step towards fulfilling the bloc’s vision of a unified and prosperous region.

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