Timor-leste joins Asean

KUALA LUMPUR—The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Sunday welcomed Timor-Leste (East Timor) as its newest member, with its prime minister saying this was a “dream realized” for the tiny nation after almost two decades of an arduous application process.

“Today, history is made,” Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao told the other leaders as the flag of Timor-Leste was added to the other 10 on the stage at a formal ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.

It was Asean’s first expansion since the 1990s and the last country to join the 58-year-old regional bloc was Cambodia in 1999.

‘Historic milestone’

Both Gusmao and Timorese President Jose Ramos-Horta were present as President Marcos and the nine other leaders from Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam signed the declaration of Timor-Leste’s accession to Asean membership.

“Today marks a historic milestone for Southeast Asia as we officially welcome Timor Leste into the Asean family. Its admission reflects our region’s collective commitment to unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity,” Mr. Marcos said in a statement.

“As we open the 47th Asean Summit, the Philippines stands ready to work with all member states to build a more inclusive, secure and sustainable future for our people,” he added.

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“For the people of Timor Leste this is not only a dream realized, but a powerful affirmation of our journey—one marked by resilience, determination and hope,” he said.

Gusmao said “this new beginning brings immense opportunity in trade, investment, education and the digital economy—we are ready to learn, innovate and uphold good government.”

“This is not the end of a journey, this is a beginning of an inspiring new chapter,” he said.