TIMOR-LESTE was officially admitted as the 11th member state of ASEAN today, a landmark moment celebrated with tears of joy and applause at the International Media Centre as its delegation marked the country’s formal entry into the regional bloc.
The milestone was cemented at the 47th ASEAN Summit with the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN, witnessed by the leaders of the ten existing member states and chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The emotional response from the Timor-Leste delegation reflected the hopes of a nation that first applied for membership in 2011.
Francisca Maia, a member of the delegation, said the moment was “a beautiful, emotional and aspirational day” and expressed pride in being part of the historic event. “We are proud that the government’s pursuit of membership has come to fruition.
“This is the first time I have come to Malaysia, and to be part of this delegation is overwhelming,” she said.
Timorese journalist Remizia Boavida echoed the sentiment, describing the occasion as long-awaited. “I am proud to witness and report on this historic moment, and I thank Malaysia and ASEAN for making our membership official,” she said.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao hailed the accession as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Timorese people.
“Today, history is made. Timor-Leste has been admitted as the 11th member state of ASEAN. For our people, this is not only a dream realised, but a powerful affirmation of our journey. It is a testament to our resilience, determination and hope,” he said.
Gusmao emphasised that the achievement was the result of a long and deliberate process of national preparation since 2011.
“We have strengthened our institutions, refined our policies and enhanced our readiness, guided by the wisdom, support and passion of ASEAN. This new beginning brings immense opportunities in trade, investment, education and the digital economy. It is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of an inspiring new chapter,” he added.
Minister of Communications, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, said the accession marked a significant step for ASEAN’s growth and integration.
“Malaysia is proud to witness this historic moment. Timor-Leste’s membership signals a new era of cooperation and strengthened regional unity,” he said, noting that over 2,900 media representatives from around the world were covering the summit.
The formal inclusion of Timor-Leste into ASEAN paves the way for deeper collaboration and regional solidarity, reflecting the bloc’s ongoing commitment to shared prosperity and collective progress. - October 26, 2025
