Indonesia has officially welcomed Timor-Leste’s imminent accession as the 11th full member of ASEAN during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
“This is not the end, but rather the beginning—for Timor-Leste to complete its internal processes, and for all of us to support its full integration into ASEAN,” said Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, as quoted in a written statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta.
Speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, Sugiono noted that all necessary documents would be finalized soon, paving the way for Timor-Leste’s full membership.
He also highlighted Indonesia’s contribution to the development of the Timor-Leste Unit at the ASEAN Secretariat.
The accession documents for Timor-Leste’s full membership are scheduled to be signed during the opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit on Sunday, October 26, in the presence of ASEAN leaders and several guest heads of state.
According to a statement from Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the signing will officially mark Timor-Leste’s entry as ASEAN’s 11th full member.
Ahead of its formal admission, Timor-Leste officially submitted its instruments of accession to the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) on Saturday.
During the handover ceremony, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan—representing Malaysia as this year’s ASEAN Chair—stated that Timor-Leste’s participation in the nuclear-free zone treaty further reinforces ASEAN’s commitment to unity and peace.
“We are not only welcoming a new ASEAN member (Timor-Leste), but also reaffirming our dedication to an inclusive, resilient, and future-ready region within a peaceful community,” Hasan said.
He added that Timor-Leste’s inclusion in SEANWFZ would bring renewed energy to ASEAN’s efforts in fostering a safe and peaceful region.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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