East Timor Joins ASEAN as 11th Member, A Historic Leap Forward

UPDATE: East Timor has officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its 11th member, a monumental achievement celebrated at the bloc’s annual summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 5, 2023. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao heralded this moment as a “dream realised,” marking a significant milestone for the nation.

The addition of East Timor’s flag to the ASEAN lineup was met with enthusiastic applause during the ceremony, underscoring the emotional weight of this historic occasion. Gusmao expressed that this accession brings “immense opportunities” for trade and investment, stating, “For the people of Timor-Leste, this is not only a dream realised, but a powerful affirmation of our journey.”

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN, emphasized that East Timor’s membership “completes the ASEAN family” and strengthens regional bonds. This move concludes a 14-year wait for full membership, a highlight of Malaysia’s leadership in the organization.

East Timor, known as Timor-Leste, gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 after a tumultuous history marked by a struggle against colonial rule and occupation. President José Ramos-Horta, who has long advocated for ASEAN membership, first submitted an application in 2011 during his first term. He has previously stated the need for regional integration to secure his country’s future.

With a population of 1.4 million, East Timor is among Asia’s poorest nations, with about 42 percent of its citizens living below the national poverty line. The nation’s economy, valued at approximately $2 billion, represents a small fraction of ASEAN’s collective $3.8 trillion GDP. The country aims to leverage its ASEAN membership to access free trade agreements and attract investment.

Ramos-Horta noted that East Timor must maintain stability and contribute positively to ASEAN, highlighting its potential role in conflict resolution and regional dialogue. “If we can in the future contribute towards strengthening ASEAN mechanisms, that is key,” he stated in a recent interview.

The event on Sunday marks not just an end to a long wait but the beginning of a transformative journey for East Timor. As ASEAN expands from its original five-member bloc in 1967, the integration of East Timor signifies a commitment to unity and cooperation in Southeast Asia.

This historic accession is expected to open new avenues for economic growth and development, giving East Timor the chance to diversify beyond its oil and gas revenue sources. As the nation looks toward a brighter future, the potential for progress within the ASEAN framework is immense.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as East Timor embarks on this exciting chapter in its history.