Timor-Leste deposits instruments of accession to become ASEAN's 11th member

Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan described the occasion as a historic milestone that signifies the expansion of ASEAN's scope to include every sovereign state in Southeast Asia.

"It is a historic moment that greets us today," he said in his remarks during the ceremony to mark the deposit of the instruments of accession by Timor-Leste.

Mohamad said Malaysia, as the Chair of ASEAN, together with fellow member states, extended its warmest congratulations to the government and people of Timor-Leste.

"Today, we celebrate you, a nation built on courage, perseverance and unyielding hope, as you join a family that has long awaited your full inclusion. Welcome to the ASEAN Family, and to our venerated Charter," he said.

He said the ASEAN Charter represents more than a foundational document, describing it as "the heartbeat of our shared vision, a covenant of trust, respect and solidarity that has bound our diverse nations together, in pursuit of peace and prosperity."

"By acceding to the Charter, Timor-Leste has pledged to walk hand-in-hand with us, weaving the aspirations of its people into the fabric of our ever-evolving ASEAN community.

"Through the SEANWFZ Treaty, Timor-Leste also joins us in a solemn commitment to ensure that Southeast Asia remains a sanctuary of peace, free from the shadow of nuclear weapons," he added.

Mohamad said the accessions are not merely institutional formalities but reflect Timor-Leste's faith in ASEAN's ideals and its belief in a collective future built on harmony, cooperation and mutual respect.

"The journey to this has been long -- from the struggles of its birth, to the years of state-building, and the patient pursuit of ASEAN membership. The story of Timor-Leste is one of remarkable tenacity," he said.

He added that Timor-Leste brings new energy, fresh perspectives and a youthful population ready to contribute, enriching ASEAN's collective identity politically, culturally and economically.

"ASEAN's strength has always been found in its diversity, and its ability to transform that diversity into shared purpose. And I firmly believe that Timor-Leste's full participation will further deepen this regional cohesion.

"So today, we are not just welcoming a new member. We are reaffirming our belief in an ASEAN that is inclusive, resilient and future-ready. One community, united in peace, committed to progress and grounded in the unbreakable bonds of kinship," Mohamad said.

The last country to join ASEAN before Timor-Leste was Cambodia, which became the 10th member on April 30, 1999.

Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002 from neighbouring Indonesia, following a 1999 UN-supervised referendum.

Timor-Leste officially applied for ASEAN membership in 2011, reflecting its aspiration to be part of the regional community. In November 2022, ASEAN member states agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste and granted it observer status, together with a roadmap for full membership.

Tomorrow, a signing ceremony of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN will be held, to be attended by ASEAN heads of state and government.