ASEAN reaffirms commitment to Timor-Leste membership by 2025
Foreign ministers, in a joint communique issued after the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, acknowledged Timor-Leste's active role as an Observer and its dedication to fulfilling membership criteria. 'We look forward to Timor-Leste fulfilling its roles and obligations as an incoming member state and its commitment to upholding ASEAN's fundamental principles,' the statement noted.
The ministers also praised Timor-Leste's progress in aligning domestic policies with ASEAN frameworks, urging further institutional strengthening. 'We encouraged Timor-Leste to continue accelerating its institutional capacities and deepening engagement with all ASEAN Sectoral Bodies,' the communique stated.
ASEAN highlighted the importance of Timor-Leste's contributions to the ASEAN 2045 vision, emphasising resilience and sustainability. The operationalisation of the Timor-Leste Unit at the ASEAN Secretariat was welcomed as a key step in monitoring integration efforts.
The bloc called for sustained support from member states to ensure a smooth transition for Timor-Leste post-accession. - Bernama
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