The Timor-Leste delegation erupted in cheers and tears of joy at the International Media Centre when the nation was formally admitted as Asean’s 11th Member State this morning.
One of its delegates, Augusto Sarmento, a government media liaison officer, said it was a momentous milestone for the people as “Timor-Leste was no longer alone in this region”.
Speaking to Twentytwo13, Sarmento said the journey had been a long one. He applauded the country’s leaders for being steadfast in pursuing for entry into Asean.
“We had been waiting for this moment even before we applied for membership in 2011. Our leaders have held this vision since 1975 when we began fighting for our independence, and after we achieved our independence in 2002,” said Sarmento, who worked with the Timor Post for 15 years.
“Malaysia has stood by us, and during this session, Malaysia, as Asean Chair, has played an important role in our admission.
“Today has been emotional for all of us. The people of Timor-Leste will have a grand celebration at 5pm, local time (6pm, Malaysian time).
“The people will be celebrating throughout the country, on the streets, public places as we are not alone in this region.”
Three years ago, in an interview with Twentytwo13, President Dr Jose Ramos-Horta made a promise to “push Timor-Leste to a whole new level”, outlining his country’s vision to improve infrastructure, attract investment and find its rightful place among Southeast Asia’s family of nations.
Meanwhile, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, earlier this morning, said his country’s admission into Asean was “not the end of our journey but the beginning of an inspiring new chapter”.
He said that the path to membership had been long and purposeful, and the country had worked tirelessly to strengthen its institutions, reform policies, and enhance governance guided by the wisdom, support, and passion of Asean and its partners.
“Today, history is made. For the people of Timor-Leste, this is not only the realisation of a long-held dream but also a powerful affirmation of our journey – one defined by resilience, determination, and hope,” said Gusmão.
“At its heart, this marks the continuation of a vision: a truly united family of nations bound together by shared values, common aspirations, and collective determination.
“On behalf of the government and people of Timor-Leste, we extend our deepest gratitude to all Asean Member States, the Asean Chair, the Asean Secretariat, and our dialogue partners. Your guidance, encouragement, and unwavering solidarity have made this historic day possible.”
Gusmão said Timor-Leste, a young democracy born from struggle, is embracing a new era of collaboration and growth within Asean, the world’s fifth-largest economy, with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$3.8 trillion and a population of 677 million.
He said that Timor-Leste joins Asean with humility, fully embracing its core values: mutual respect, peaceful cooperation, unity in diversity, and traditional solidarity.
“We pledge to work with all Member States to keep our region peaceful, open, and prosperous – ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Gusmão.
“This new chapter brings immense opportunities in trade, investment, education, and the digital economy. We are ready to learn, to innovate, and to uphold good governance, strengthening our institutions as we walk together toward sustainable development.
“Together, we will advance the Asean Community Vision 2045: a peaceful, prosperous, and people-centred Asean.”
He concluded his speech by saying he was speaking not only as Prime Minister, on behalf of the President, government, and people of Timor-Leste, but as a fellow member of Asean.
