"We have taken steps to build vital infrastructures in accordance with the agreed road map (for full membership)," Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak remarked during the opening of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Wednesday.
According to Ruak, Timor-Leste has expanded the Nicolau Lobato Airport in the capital city of Dili and ensured a safe communication network through underwater optic cables.
In his speech, the prime minister also revealed that his government has begun to make improvements to the quality of services to provide ease and comfort to leaders and tourists keen to visit commercial facilities, such as restaurants and conference venues.
Ruak affirmed that Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN was a crucial moment in the midst of global competition and ever-changing dynamics in the region.
"Together with ASEAN, we will prosper. We will be one of the trustful leaders in the ASEAN region. We will be your partner," he stated.
Timor-Leste officially submitted its request to become a full member of ASEAN in 2011. The country finally received the green light after the ASEAN countries agreed, in principle, to accept it as the bloc's new member at the previous ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November 2022.
On February 13, Prime Minister Ruak conducted an official visit to Indonesia and was directly received by Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java.
President Widodo stated that as the chair of ASEAN in 2023, Indonesia has been formulating a dedicated road map for Timor-Leste's full membership in ASEAN.
The road map outlines steps that Timor-Leste has to go through to gain full membership, including exercising obligations found in agreements or treaties under the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars of ASEAN.
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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Sri Haryati
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