“Indonesia is therefore committed to remaining Timor-Leste's closest partner," Nasir said in his remarks during the "Speech by Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta" event at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Friday (Aug 1).
The Deputy Minister explained that relations between Indonesia and Timor-Leste have developed rapidly and are built on a foundation of sincere goodwill and shared aspirations.
He noted that the two countries have achieved significant progress in diverse areas, from trade and investment to education, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
“Indonesia has been at the forefront in supporting Timor-Leste's aspiration to become a full member of the ASEAN family," the deputy minister, familiarly known as Tata, remarked.
He added that Indonesia has facilitated numerous capacity-building and technical cooperation programs to help ensure Timor-Leste’s smooth integration into all aspects of the ASEAN community.
Tata emphasized that the principles of democracy, development, and the future of ASEAN are at the core of ASEAN's regional efforts and also integral to Indonesia's national values and regional vision.
Related news: Timor-Leste to become ASEAN's 11th member by 2025-end
Democracy has created a conducive environment for development that goes beyond economic statistics and also encompasses human development, environmental protection, and the eradication of poverty and inequality, he stated.
In facing current global challenges, Tata underlined the need for a united, resilient, and forward-looking ASEAN — one that upholds multilateralism, strengthens regional cooperation, and maintains centrality in the Indo-Pacific region.
“I believe President Ramos-Horta’s leadership, experience, and Timor-Leste’s perspective will enrich our collective path forward,” he concluded.
Previously, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) announced that Timor-Leste would be officially admitted as ASEAN’s 11th full member by the end of this year.
Timor-Leste has applied for ASEAN membership since 2011 and has completed all accession procedures agreed upon by ASEAN member states, including a direct on-site assessment.
The 47th ASEAN Summit is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025.
Related news: Prabowo backs Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea's ASEAN membership hope
Translator: Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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