Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao delivered a compelling vision for Southeast Asian unity during a keynote address at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) this week. The former resistance leader turned statesman declared his nation's integration into ASEAN as a 'homecoming,' asserting that 'small states are not bystanders but regional stakeholders.'
Speaking to an audience of diplomats and scholars, Gusmao highlighted ASEAN's consensus-driven model as critical amid global geopolitical tensions. 'No country should be left behind in our collective journey toward prosperity,' he stated, emphasizing the bloc's role in balancing diverse interests from Myanmar to the Philippines.
The PM's remarks come as Timor-Leste accelerates its ASEAN accession process, with recent trade agreements seeing a 17% increase in cross-border investments. Analysts note his speech strategically addressed concerns about smaller economies' influence while reaffirming commitments to maritime security in the South China Sea.
