UPDATE: East Timor has officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), becoming the bloc’s 11th member during a significant ceremony held on September 10, 2023, in Kuala Lumpur. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao celebrated this moment as a “dream realised” for his nation, marking a pivotal milestone in East Timor’s journey toward regional integration.
This historic event drew loud applause as the flag of East Timor was raised alongside those of the other ten ASEAN nations. Gusmao expressed deep emotions, declaring, “For the people of Timor-Leste, this is not only a dream realised, but a powerful affirmation of our journey.” He emphasized that this accession opens doors to “immense opportunities” for trade and investment.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country is currently chairing ASEAN, noted that East Timor’s membership “completes the ASEAN family” and reinforces the region’s shared destiny. This moment comes after a prolonged 14-year wait for full membership, marking a significant achievement in Malaysia’s ASEAN leadership.
East Timor, which gained independence in 2002 after a tumultuous history, has long sought integration into ASEAN. President Jose Ramos-Horta, who witnessed the ceremony, has been a vocal advocate for membership since submitting the initial application in 2011. He has articulated a vision for East Timor’s future grounded in regional cooperation, stating, “This is not the end of a journey. This is the beginning of an inspiring new chapter.”
With a population of approximately 1.4 million, East Timor is among Asia’s poorest nations, with around 42 percent of its citizens living below the national poverty line. The country’s economy, valued at about $2 billion, is a mere fraction of ASEAN’s collective $3.8 trillion GDP. As East Timor aims to diversify its economy beyond its oil and gas sector, ASEAN membership is expected to enhance access to free trade agreements, investment prospects, and a broader market.
Ramos-Horta has underscored the importance of stability, asserting that East Timor aims to contribute positively to ASEAN’s collective efforts, especially in areas like conflict resolution. “If we can in the future contribute towards strengthening ASEAN mechanisms… that is key,” he stated in a recent interview.
As ASEAN continues to evolve from its origins as a five-member bloc in 1967, the inclusion of East Timor signifies a commitment to fostering regional kinship and cooperation. The future looks promising for East Timor as it embarks on this new chapter, potentially transforming its socio-economic landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as East Timor takes significant steps toward integrating into ASEAN and the opportunities that lie ahead.
