‘Dream realised’: East Timor becomes ASEAN’s 11th member

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao hailed East Timor’s joining as the group’s 11th member state as a “dream realized”

At a formal ceremony held on Sunday at the bloc’s annual summit in Kuala Lumpur, East Timor, which is also known as Timor-Leste, received ovations and cheers from the public.

A new beginning that would “immensitate opportunities” for trade and investment was described as historic for his country by a sensitive Gusmao.

This is a powerful affirmation of our journey, which is marked by resilience, determination, and hope, according to Gusmao, for the people of Timor-Leste.

He said, “Our accession is a testament to the spirit of our people, a young democracy that was born out of our struggle.”

Not the journey’s conclusion, however. This is the start of a new chapter of inspiration.

Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia and the current head of ASEAN, described East Timor’s accession as “completeing the ASEAN family” and “reaffirming our shared destiny and deep sense of regional kinship.”

Following a 14-year wait, Malaysia’s admission is regarded as one of its most notable achievements under its ASEAN chairmanship.

Before East Timor gained full independence in 2002, Portugal abruptly pulled out of its colony in 1975, allowing for annexation and occasionally bloody occupation by neighboring Indonesia.

Jose Ramos-Horta, president of East Timor, has long advocated for ASEAN membership. He also witnessed the event on Sunday. During his first term, his first application was submitted in 2011.

Ramos-Horta, 75, who was awarded the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize, first suggested East Timor joining ASEAN in order to ensure his nation’s future through regional integration.

In 2022, East Timor became the regional body’s observer status, but its full membership was hampered by various issues.

The 1.4 million-strong nation is among Asia’s poorest and hopes to benefit from the integration of its fledgling economy, which accounts for only a small portion of ASEAN’s overall $ 3.8 trillion gross domestic product (GDP).

Nearly two-thirds of East Timor’s population is under 30 years old, while 42 percent of its population lives below the national poverty line.

The oil and gas industry is its main source of government revenue, but it is looking to diversify as resources are quickly dwindling.

East Timor has access to the bloc’s expanded regional market, free trade agreements, and opportunities for investment.

Ramos-Horta stated in an interview with Channel News Asia in Singapore that his nation must maintain stability and not impose ASEAN, adding that East Timor could draw on its experience in conflict, including those involving border disputes and the South China Sea.

That is crucial if we can in the future help to strengthen ASEAN mechanisms like conflict mechanisms. We place a premium on dialogue in each ASEAN nation, Ramos-Horta said.