East Timor Joins ASEAN as 11th Member, Hailed a Historic Moment

UPDATE: East Timor has officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its 11th member, a development celebrated by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao as a “dream realised.” The historic ceremony took place on October 15, 2023, during the annual summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the East Timorese flag was raised alongside those of other member states, drawing enthusiastic applause from attendees.

In an emotional address, Gusmao proclaimed this moment as a new beginning for East Timor, which will now have access to vast opportunities for trade and investment within the ASEAN community. “For the people of Timor-Leste, this is not only a dream realised, but a powerful affirmation of our journey,” he stated, emphasizing the resilience and hope of his nation.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chair of ASEAN, welcomed East Timor’s accession, stating it “completes the ASEAN family,” highlighting the importance of regional unity. This milestone follows a lengthy 14-year wait for full membership, marking a significant achievement for Malaysia during its ASEAN chairmanship.

East Timor, a nation of 1.4 million people, has a tumultuous history, gaining independence from Indonesia in 2002. The country has faced significant economic challenges, with approximately 42 percent of its population living below the poverty line. East Timor’s economy, valued at around $2 billion, represents only a fraction of ASEAN’s collective $3.8 trillion GDP. This membership is seen as a crucial step towards diversifying its economy, which heavily relies on dwindling oil and gas resources.

President Jose Ramos-Horta, who has long advocated for ASEAN membership, expressed hope that East Timor can contribute positively to regional stability and dialogue. He initially submitted the application for membership in 2011 and has consistently pushed for East Timor’s integration into regional frameworks. “If we can contribute towards strengthening ASEAN mechanisms, that is key,” he stated in a recent interview.

This accession allows East Timor to engage in ASEAN’s free trade agreements and investment opportunities, vital for enhancing its struggling economy. The nation hopes to leverage this platform to improve living standards and stimulate growth for its youthful population, with nearly two-thirds under the age of 30.

As East Timor takes this monumental step, the international community is watching closely. The country’s integration into ASEAN not only signifies a triumph for its citizens but also reinforces the bloc’s commitment to regional cooperation and development.

What’s Next: Moving forward, East Timor will focus on maintaining stability and fostering relationships within ASEAN. Analysts and officials will be keenly observing how the country navigates its new role within the bloc and the opportunities that arise from this historic membership.