Latest news with #JoseRamos-Horta
Herald Malaysia
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
Timor-Leste downplays Myanmar's objection to its ASEAN membership
A file picture of Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta. (Photo: Facebook) Timor-Leste has dismissed Myanmar's reported objection to it becoming the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as 'inconsequential and irrelevant.'Myanmar has formally objected to Timor-Leste's accession to the Southeast Asian regional bloc, accusing Dili of violating the bloc's core principle of non-interference in internal affairs of other nations, media reports said on July José Ramos-Horta dismissed the accusation as inconsequential, while reaffirming that the path to full membership of ASEAN has already been secured.'Myanmar's opposition is irrelevant. The formal decision for Timor-Leste to join ASEAN has already been made and is reflected in the final communiqué,' said Ramos-Horta, adding that the 'ceremony to mark our full membership is scheduled for the ASEAN Summit in October this year.''If the ASEAN Chair wishes, they may respond to Myanmar's objection, but preparations for Timor-Leste's accession are well underway,' he added. Media reports said Myanmar submitted an official letter to Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair, asserting that Timor-Leste "does not adhere to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs as enshrined in the ASEAN Charter." Valentin da Costa, executive director of the Timor-Leste NGO Forum (FONGTIL), also pushed back against Myanmar's accusations, saying the objection stems from Timor-Leste's consistent support for democracy and human rights in Myanmar. Timor-Leste's firm support for democratic values in Myanmar has been consistent. In August 2023, Prime Minister Gusmão warned that his country might reconsider its ASEAN membership bid if the bloc continued legitimizing military regimes. As preparations continue for Timor-Leste's formal ASEAN induction this October, the country positions itself not only as the bloc's newest member but also as a vocal advocate for human rights, civic freedoms, and democratic integrity in Southeast
Malaysia Sun
25-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
China's poverty eradication role model for other countries: Timor-Leste president
Xinhua 24 Jun 2025, 21:45 GMT+10 KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China's poverty eradication efforts will serve as a role model for other countries to follow suit, Jose Ramos-Horta, president of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, has told Xinhua. Speaking following a ceremony to mark the bestowment of an honorary professorship to him by Malaysia's Taylor's University here last week, Ramos-Horta also commended China's progress in food security and the support it has extended to Timor-Leste, particularly in boosting agricultural productivity. During his first state visit to China last July, Ramos-Horta said, he appealed for support in improving the island nation's poverty eradication and agricultural efforts. Noting "We have a strong relationship with China," he said he believes China's expertise can help boost Timor-Leste's efforts in poverty reduction. "And in a very typical Chinese way of doing things -- fast action, talk and act. (Chinese) engineers for water and infrastructure were mobilized," he said, adding that with Chinese support, the agriculture output has increased and can go up even further.
The Star
21-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ramos-Horta: Timor Leste ready to contribute to regional stability; full faith on Asean leaders to find ways for lasting peace
Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta shares a moment with Taylor's University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barry Winn, during his visit to the campus. -- Photo: Bernama KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta stated that the country is dedicated to playing a positive role in promoting peace and stability in the region. Ramos-Horta stated that Timor-Leste aspires to remain peaceful, tolerant, and resilient despite ongoing regional challenges. "I believe Asean leaders will appreciate that we have kept our country peaceful, an oasis of tranquillity and tolerance, and we want to contribute to peace and stability in the region,' he said. He acknowledged the growing complexity within Asean, particularly the prolonged crisis in Myanmar, which he described as "catastrophic', during his speech after being appointed as an Honorary Adjunct Professor at Taylor's University. He expressed hope that Asean can renew its efforts to find a peaceful solution through inclusive dialogue involving all parties, including the Myanmar military, ethnic armed groups, the National Unity Government (NUG), and the opposition. Drawing from decades of engagement with Myanmar, Ramos-Horta emphasised the need to resolve the plight of displaced communities. "You cannot build a peaceful, fair, and just society while discriminating against and killing your people. "We cannot forget the Rohingya people. Any political settlement must include their safe and dignified return.' He believes Asean can play a key role as a bridge-builder between rival superpowers, rather than being swayed by or falling under the influence or manipulation of any one of them. Ramos-Horta expressed confidence in Asean's ability to take the lead on regional challenges, highlighting his firm trust in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's leadership and Asean's track record. He believes that meaningful progress may be achieved in the coming months, offering real hope for the region. Ramos-Horta arrived in Malaysia on a private visit on Tuesday, which will run until June 22, aimed at reinforcing the historical ties between Timor-Leste and Malaysia. This visit builds on Malaysia's vital support during Timor-Leste's struggle for independence and its ongoing partnership in regional development efforts. On June 18, he held a meeting with Anwar at the Prime Minister's official residence in Putrajaya, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in various strategic areas, including Timor-Leste's regional integration efforts. - Bernama
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia backs Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership bid
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is committed to enhancing bilateral cooperation with Timor-Leste in various strategic areas and supporting the country's aspiration to become a full ASEAN member. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this was discussed during a meeting with Timor-Leste President Dr Jose Ramos-Horta at his residence in Putrajaya today. 'Received President Timor-Leste, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, at my residence today, further strengthening the close ties between Malaysia and Timor-Leste,' he said in a Facebook post. Anwar added that Malaysia remains dedicated to playing a constructive role in supporting regional integration for shared stability and prosperity. At a press conference concluding the 46th ASEAN Summit here on May 27, Anwar said that Southeast Asian leaders agreed to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc at the ASEAN Summit in October, subject to fulfilling certain outstanding conditions for full membership. The Prime Minister said the leaders reached a consensus to support Timor-Leste in taking all necessary steps to achieve full membership in the regional bloc. Timor-Leste, which gained independence in 2002, formally applied to join ASEAN in 2011 and was granted observer status in 2022.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia committed to strengthening ties with Timor-Leste, backs ASEAN membership bid
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is committed to enhancing bilateral cooperation with Timor-Leste in various strategic areas and supporting the country's aspiration to become a full ASEAN member. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this was discussed during a meeting with Timor-Leste President Dr Jose Ramos-Horta at his residence in Putrajaya today. 'Received President Timor-Leste, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, at my residence today, further strengthening the close ties between Malaysia and Timor-Leste,' he said in a Facebook post. Anwar added that Malaysia remains dedicated to playing a constructive role in supporting regional integration for shared stability and prosperity. At a press conference concluding the 46th ASEAN Summit here on May 27, Anwar said that Southeast Asian leaders agreed to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc at the ASEAN Summit in October, subject to fulfilling certain outstanding conditions for full membership. The Prime Minister said the leaders reached a consensus to support Timor-Leste in taking all necessary steps to achieve full membership in the regional bloc. Timor-Leste, which gained independence in 2002, formally applied to join ASEAN in 2011 and was granted observer status in 2022.
