Timor-Leste's ASEAN accession a dream realised, says PM Gusmao

Speaking at the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN at the 47th ASEAN Summit here today, Gusmao said the milestone also reaffirms ASEAN's vision of a truly united family of nations bound by shared values, common aspirations and a collective destiny.

"Today, history is made. Timor-Leste has been admitted as the 11th Member State of ASEAN. For the people of Timor-Leste, this is not only a dream realised, but a powerful affirmation of our journey - one marked by resilience, determination, and hope," he said.

"For ASEAN, it is the continuation of a vision: a truly united family of nations, bound together by shared values, common aspirations, and a collective destiny," he added.

The Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude to all ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Chair and the ASEAN Secretariat for their trust, encouragement and unwavering solidarity throughout Timor-Leste's long and purposeful path to membership.

"Since we applied in 2011, we have prepared our institutions, reformed our policies, and strengthened our readiness - guided by the wisdom, support and patience of ASEAN and its partners," he said.

Gusmao said Timor-Leste's accession is a testament to the spirit of its people - "a young democracy, born from struggle, now embracing a new era of collaboration and growth within one of the world's most dynamic regions."

He added that Timor-Leste joins ASEAN "with humility and with pride," fully embracing the bloc's core values of mutual respect, peaceful cooperation, unity in diversity, and regional solidarity.

"Timor-Leste enters ASEAN with full commitment to its Charter, ready to be a constructive, peaceful, and devoted member. We pledge to work with all Member States to keep our region peaceful, open, and prosperous, and to be part of efforts to build resilience, deepen unity, and ensure that no one is left behind," he said.

Highlighting the opportunities ahead, Gusmao said ASEAN membership brings immense prospects in trade, investment, education and the digital economy.

"We are ready to learn, to innovate, and to uphold good governance, strengthening our institutions as we walk together toward sustainable development," he said.

He emphasised that the nation's ASEAN journey "is not the end of a journey - this is the beginning of an inspiring new chapter."

"Together, we will advance the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 - a peaceful, prosperous, resilient, and people-centred ASEAN, with Timor-Leste as an active contributor," he added.

Timor-Leste today officially became the 11th member state of ASEAN, marking a historic milestone for both the young nation and the regional bloc.

The accession was sealed with the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste into ASEAN, witnessed by ASEAN leaders and dignitaries, including Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as ASEAN Chair.