In a landmark moment for regional diplomacy, Timor‑Leste (also known as East Timor) has been formally admitted as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The accession was ratified during a signing ceremony at the summit’s opening, marking the bloc’s first expansion since the 1990s.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste described the event as “a dream realised” for his nation, adding: “For the people of Timor-Leste this is not only a dream realised, but a powerful affirmation of our journey one marked by resilience, determination and hope.”
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, currently chairs ASEAN, welcomed the move, saying Timor-Leste’s membership “completes the ASEAN family … reaffirming our shared destiny and deep sense of regional kinship.”
Significance and implications
The inclusion of Timor-Leste comes after a decade-long process, the country applied for membership in 2011 and had been an observer since 2022.
With a population of around 1.4 million and a GDP of roughly US$2 billion, Timor-Leste is one of the smallest economies in the region. Its integration into ASEAN offers access to a regional market of approximately 680 million people and an economy worth about US$3.8 trillion.
Analysts view the admission as a signal of ASEAN’s evolving emphasis on inclusivity and adaptability amid rising geopolitical competition and regional realignments.
At the same time, observers acknowledge the challenges ahead for Timor-Leste: its institutional capacity remains less developed compared with other ASEAN members, and sustained support will be required to ensure its full and effective participation.
Regional context and broader agenda
The summit’s theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” underscores ASEAN’s focus not only on economic growth but on equitable regional development and adapting to shifting strategic dynamics.
The expansion of the bloc comes at a time when major powers such as the United States, China, Japan and India are all intensifying their engagement in Southeast Asia.
For Malaysia, hosting this significant gathering at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre represents a diplomatic milestone and reinforces Kuala Lumpur’s role as a key hub for regional dialogue.
Outlook
As Timor-Leste takes its place in ASEAN, attention now turns to how the country will leverage its membership to further economic development, deepen trade and investment ties, and contribute to regional peace and stability.
Meanwhile, ASEAN’s credibility and cohesion will be measured by how effectively it supports its newest member while managing larger strategic challenges.
