ASEAN membership a birthright, says Timor-Leste president

In an exclusive interview with Bernama at the Presidential Palace in Dili recently, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate also pledged that Timor-Leste will be a constructive member in contributing towards the stability and prosperity of the region.

He also expressed deep appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as well as other ASEAN nations for supporting Timor-Leste’s bid for accession.

"We thank Malaysia and all ASEAN leaders for the trust in us, that we are capable of discharging our responsibilities as an ASEAN member. We have weaknesses, but we pledge and promise to improve and to do better year after year,” he said in a special interview on Bernama TV.

The pre-recorded interview was conducted by Bernama TV programme anchor and Head of Programmes, Gerard Ratnam.

Ramos-Horta said Timor-Leste regards ASEAN membership as its birthright, by virtue of its geographical location and cultural identity within Southeast Asia.

As Timor-Leste moves closer to ASEAN accession, the President affirmed that his nation will be a peaceful, open, and respectful member, committed to ASEAN’s growth.

"My short message to Malaysia, to ASEAN, is that we will do our best to be a loyal, steady friend of all in ASEAN, and contribute to making the region ever more credible and influential in the world,” he said.

The youngest nation in Southeast Asia gained its independence on May 20, 2002, and formally applied to join ASEAN in 2011.

Malaysia has been a steadfast supporter of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN ambition, recognising that the accession will strengthen regional unity and complete ASEAN’s geographical composition.

Timor-Leste is set to be officially admitted as the 11th member of ASEAN during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur at the end of this month.