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
The Star
22 minutes ago
- The Star
Thai-Cambodia conflict: Wisma Putra told to provide updates on potential ceasefire, says Fahmi
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed Wisma Putra to monitor developments in the escalating border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia following positive signals from both countries regarding the possibility of a ceasefire. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the Madani Government spokesman, said the matter is in line with Malaysia's role as the Asean Chair for 2025. Fahmi said Anwar informed the Cabinet that he had contacted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Thursday (July 24) regarding the issue. 'At this point, there is a willingness from both sides to announce a ceasefire, and we are awaiting their statements. 'Following this, the Prime Minister has asked Wisma Putra to examine the situation and provide updates on the outcome of discussions between Thailand and Cambodia,' he said at his weekly press conference here on Friday (July 25). Media reports stated that Thai and Cambodian troops clashed on Thursday in a disputed border area, with both sides accusing each other of triggering the latest confrontation. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations have escalated since May 28 following a bloody incident in the Preah Vihear area, which claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier. The two countries have been at odds over an 817km undemarcated border for decades, and the dispute continues to strain diplomatic ties. Last Wednesday, the Thai government downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine, which Thailand alleged was recently planted in the area. Cambodia later retaliated by downgrading its diplomatic relations with Thailand to the lowest level. – Bernama
The Sun
22 minutes ago
- The Sun
Thailand-Cambodia conflict: Wisma Putra told to review, provide updates
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked Wisma Putra to monitor developments in the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, following positive signals from both countries regarding the possibility of implementing a ceasefire. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the MADANI Government spokesman, said the matter is in line with Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair in 2025. Fahmi said the Prime Minister informed the Cabinet today that he had contacted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday regarding the issue. 'At this point, there is a willingness from both prime ministers to announce a ceasefire, and we are awaiting their statements. 'Following this, the Prime Minister has asked Wisma Putra to examine the situation and provide updates on the outcome of discussions between Thailand and Cambodia,' he said at his weekly press conference here today. Media reports stated that Thai and Cambodian troops clashed on Thursday in a disputed border area, with both sides accusing each other of triggering the latest confrontation. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations have escalated since May 28 following a bloody incident in the Preah Vihear area, which claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier. The two countries have been at odds over an 817-km undemarcated border for decades, and the dispute continues to strain diplomatic ties. Last Wednesday, the Thai government downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia in an immediate response after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine allegedly recently planted. Cambodia later retaliated by downgrading its diplomatic relations with Thailand to the lowest level on Thursday. - Bernama
The Sun
22 minutes ago
- The Sun
Thailand-Cambodia conflict: Wisma Putra told to provide updates
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked Wisma Putra to monitor developments in the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, following positive signals from both countries regarding the possibility of implementing a ceasefire. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the MADANI Government spokesman, said the matter is in line with Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair in 2025. Fahmi said the Prime Minister informed the Cabinet today that he had contacted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday regarding the issue. 'At this point, there is a willingness from both prime ministers to announce a ceasefire, and we are awaiting their statements. 'Following this, the Prime Minister has asked Wisma Putra to examine the situation and provide updates on the outcome of discussions between Thailand and Cambodia,' he said at his weekly press conference here today. Media reports stated that Thai and Cambodian troops clashed on Thursday in a disputed border area, with both sides accusing each other of triggering the latest confrontation. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations have escalated since May 28 following a bloody incident in the Preah Vihear area, which claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier. The two countries have been at odds over an 817-km undemarcated border for decades, and the dispute continues to strain diplomatic ties. Last Wednesday, the Thai government downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia in an immediate response after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine allegedly recently planted. Cambodia later retaliated by downgrading its diplomatic relations with Thailand to the lowest level on Thursday. - Bernama
