East Timor officially became the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Sunday, marking the bloc's first expansion in over 25 years as Asia's youngest nation fulfills a decades-long diplomatic ambition.
The historic accession was formalized during a ceremony at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where East Timor's flag was symbolically placed alongside those of existing member states. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao declared that "today, history is made" as he addressed fellow leaders.
East Timor's journey to ASEAN membership began with its initial application in 2011, followed by observer status granted in 2022. The nation of 1.4 million people brings a $2 billion economy into ASEAN's collective $3.8 trillion market, though it faces significant economic challenges.
"For the people of Timor-Leste this is not only a dream realized but a powerful affirmation of our journey," Gusmao said during the ceremony. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country chairs ASEAN, described the admission as completing "the ASEAN family — reaffirming our shared destiny and deep sense of regional kinship".
The accession represents a symbolic victory for independence heroes Gusmao and President Jose Ramos-Horta, who first proposed ASEAN membership in the 1970s while East Timor was under Portuguese rule. Cambodia was the last country to join ASEAN in 1999.
ASEAN membership provides East Timor access to free trade agreements, investment opportunities, and a broader regional market crucial for economic diversification. The nation currently faces high unemployment and malnutrition rates, with 42% of its population living below the national poverty line.
East Timor's economy remains heavily dependent on depleting oil and gas resources, which account for the majority of government revenues. Recent data shows the country's growth reached 4.1% in 2024, though experts warn of a potential "fiscal cliff" as petroleum funds could be exhausted by the 2030s without economic diversification.
"For us this new beginning brings immense opportunity in trade, investment, education and the digital economy," Gusmao emphasized, adding that East Timor is "ready to learn, innovate and uphold good government".
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