
Timor-Leste on track to full ASEAN membership by October, says Anwar
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, however, said that the leaders had reached a consensus to support Timor-Leste in taking all necessary steps to become a full member of the regional bloc.
'The decision was clearly to agree (that) they would become accepted as full member by next Summit in October, of course subject to one or two actions or reforms to be undertaken, particularly one of the condition of economic pillar,' he said in the wrap-up press conference to conclude the 46th ASEAN Summit, here today.
Timor Leste, which first applied for ASEAN membership in 2011, was granted observer status at high-level meetings in 2022. However, its full integration is still under evaluation.
Its Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, who was also in Kuala Lumpur to attend the Summit, was reported as being optimistic about securing the full membership by the end of this year.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Malaysiakini
2 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
Anwar, govt, succeed in removing names from Mukhriz's RM5m tax review bid
Anwar Ibrahim and the government succeeded today in having their names removed from a judicial review application filed by Mukhriz Mahathir. Mukhriz is challenging the Inland Revenue Board's (IRB) issuance of additional tax assessment notices for the years 2017 to 2019, demanding payment of over RM5 million.

Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
PM Anwar Welcomes Positive Signals From Bangkok, Phnom Penh To Consider Ceasefire
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed the positive signals and willingness shown by Bangkok and Phnom Penh to consider a ceasefire to prevent further hostilities along the borders between the two countries. Anwar said he had spoken to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai Thursday evening to express Malaysia's concern over the escalation of tensions. 'In our conversations, in Malaysia's capacity as ASEAN Chair for 2025, I appealed directly to both leaders for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further hostilities and to create space for peaceful dialogue and diplomatic resolution. bootstrap slideshow 'I welcome the positive signals and willingness shown by both Bangkok and Phnom Penh to consider this path forward,' he said in a Facebook post. The prime minister said Malaysia stands ready to assist and facilitate this process in the spirit of ASEAN unity and shared responsibility. 'I firmly believe that ASEAN's strength lies in its solidarity and that peace must always be our collective and unwavering choice,' he said. Thai and Cambodian troops reportedly clashed early Thursday in a disputed area along their shared border, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the latest confrontation. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours have been rising since May 28, following a deadly border clash near the Preah Vihear area that left one Cambodian soldier dead. The two Southeast Asian neighbours have been disputing an 817-km undemarcated border for decades, which continues to sour diplomatic ties.

Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
PM Anwar Extends Condolences Over Plane Crash In Russia's Far East
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended condolences to the families of those affected by the plane crash in Russia's Far East today. 'I was saddened to learn of the plane crash in Russia's Far East. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. 'In times like this, we are reminded of how fragile life is, and how connected we all are, across distance and borders. It also reminds us that our shared humanity matters more than geopolitics,' he said in a Facebook post, today.