Timor-Leste officially became the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a historic ceremony at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on Sunday. The landmark decision marks the first expansion of the regional bloc in over two decades, signaling strengthened economic and political integration in Southeast Asia.
ASEAN leaders welcomed Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão at the summit, where he signed the Instrument of Accession. "This membership fulfills our people's aspirations for regional partnership," Gusmão stated, highlighting Timor-Leste's 20-year journey since independence to meet ASEAN's membership criteria.
Analysts note the accession could unlock new trade routes and investment opportunities in the resource-rich nation of 1.3 million people. "Timor-Leste's strategic location between Asia and the Pacific creates fresh potential for energy cooperation and maritime connectivity," said Dr. Mei Lin Wong, a Singapore-based geopolitical researcher.
The expansion comes as ASEAN strengthens its role in addressing regional challenges, from supply chain resilience to climate change mitigation. Business leaders anticipate increased cross-border collaboration in Timor-Leste's growing petroleum and coffee export sectors.
While celebrating the milestone, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn emphasized the bloc's commitment to "maintaining unity while addressing development disparities among members." The summit concluded with plans for phased integration support, including technical assistance and capacity-building programs for Timor-Leste's civil service sector.
