Timor-Leste joins ASEAN as 11th member state

Timor-Leste officially became the 11th member the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) following its formal accession on Sunday, during the opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur.

ASEAN leaders signed the declaration welcoming Timor-Leste into the regional bloc, marking a historic milestone for the young democracy.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão joined fellow ASEAN leaders in the traditional handshake, symbolizing unity and cooperation among member states.

“Our accession is a testament to the spirit of our 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,” said Gusmão.

He vowed that Timor-Leste would work closely with all ASEAN members to uphold peace, openness, and prosperity in the region, noting that the country’s entry into the bloc would bring “immense opportunities” in trade, investment, education, and the digital economy.

“We are ready to learn, innovate, and strengthen governance as we work together toward sustainable development,” he added. “This is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of an inspiring new chapter.”

Timor-Leste’s national flag was raised alongside those of other ASEAN members to mark its full membership.

Also known as East Timor, the country is the first to join ASEAN in the 21st century since Cambodia’s admission in 1999. Its accession follows decades of effort since regaining independence in 2002 after centuries of Portuguese rule and 24 years of Indonesian occupation.

Timor-Leste applied for ASEAN membership in 2011 and was granted observer status in 2022. Since then, it has engaged with the bloc through treaty accessions, state visits, and institutional reforms to demonstrate its readiness.

Timor-Leste has a population of 1.5 million and a GDP of $1.9 billion.