Timor-Leste becomes 11th ASEAN member at 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur

October 26, 2025 MTIMES 3 min read ASEAN expansion, ASEAN Summit 2025, Kuala Lumpur ASEAN Summit, Southeast Asia unity, Timor-Leste ASEAN membership, Timor-Leste joins ASEAN

Timor-Leste officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its 11th member on Sunday during the 47th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This marks the first expansion of the regional bloc in 26 years since Cambodia’s admission in 1999. The historic moment was formalized through the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN, witnessed by leaders and dignitaries from across the region.

Timor-Leste ASEAN membership formalized at historic summit

Timor-Leste’s President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao attended the signing ceremony, representing the young nation’s official entry into ASEAN. The signing was presided over by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently serves as the ASEAN Chair. Leaders from all 10 ASEAN countries joined the ceremony and celebrated the milestone by posing for photographs with interlocked arms, symbolizing regional unity and cooperation.

Timor-Leste ASEAN membership hailed as a milestone for regional unity

In his speech, Prime Minister Gusmao described the occasion as a dream fulfilled and a reaffirmation of ASEAN’s shared values and collective destiny. “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—one marked by resilience, determination, and hope,” he said. He emphasized that the country’s inclusion reflects ASEAN’s vision of a united family of nations working toward common aspirations.

Background and journey toward Timor-Leste ASEAN membership

Timor-Leste, located in the easternmost part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, first applied for ASEAN membership in 2011. After more than a decade of evaluation and gradual integration efforts, the bloc agreed in principle to admit the nation as a full member in November 2022. The country’s accession symbolizes ASEAN’s commitment to inclusivity, regional solidarity, and sustainable development. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Timor-Leste, saying its inclusion “completes the ASEAN family” and ensures continued support for its growth and autonomy.

47th ASEAN Summit highlights inclusivity and sustainability

Malaysia is hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability” from October 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The gatherings include the ASEAN Summit, ASEAN Plus One Summits with seven Dialogue Partners (Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States), the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN-UN Summit, and the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit celebrating 50 years of dialogue relations.

On the sidelines, the 5th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit and the 3rd Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders Meeting are also taking place. During the Plenary Session, ASEAN leaders will discuss strengthening community-building, deepening economic integration, reinforcing ASEAN centrality, and promoting peace and stability amid shifting global dynamics.

Get Latest News Live on MTIMES along with Breaking News and Top Headlines, Political News and around The World.