December 12, 2025 | 01:03 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Timor Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao visited the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Thursday, December 11, 2025. This marked his first meeting with ASEAN officials after Timor Leste was accepted as a full member at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia last October.
Upon arrival at the ASEAN Headquarters, Xanana was welcomed by ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.
They then unveiled the country's emblem, which now stands alongside the other ten ASEAN members. This inauguration symbolizes the culmination of Timor Leste's integration into ASEAN, no longer just an observer but part of the larger regional family.
In his remarks, Kao referred to Timor Leste's accession as a historic achievement for Southeast Asia. "It represents the fulfilment of our regional vision and reaffirms the principles that bind us: peace, cooperation, and mutual respect," he said.
Timor Leste's long journey towards membership reflects institutional development and consistent diplomatic commitment. "Under Your Excellency's leadership, Timor-Leste has strengthened its institutional foundations, deepened diplomatic engagement, and elevated the well-being of its citizens," Kao stated.
According to him, Timor Leste brings strengths aligned with ASEAN's long-term vision, ranging from demographic vitality, diverse cultural traditions, to a strategic position in the region. "These achievements position Timor-Leste to make substantial contributions as an ASEAN Member State, helping to forge a more cohesive and resilient future for our region," Kao said.
Meanwhile, during his address, Xanana Gusmao referred to the accession as a significant chapter in their nation's journey. "For the people of Timor Leste, our accession to ASEAN is the realization of a long-standing dream. It also reaffirms our nation's journey from resilience and determination towards hope and the future," he stated.
Xanana described the moment as a turning point, shifting the country's focus from a conflict-ridden past to regional involvement. He recalled how Timor Leste was once isolated from the world during armed struggle but maintained belief in the right to self-determination.
Xanana emphasized Indonesia's role in the post-referendum reconciliation in 1999, which he said laid the foundation for the relationship between the two countries.
"Our reconciliation with Indonesia became the basis to build a future without fear or hatred," said Xanana, while recalling former Indonesian leader President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as the first to encourage Timor Leste to apply for ASEAN membership in 2011.
Xanana then affirmed his country's readiness to assume new responsibilities. Full integration, he said, is not just an opportunity, but a commitment to contribute to political, economic, social, and cultural cooperation within ASEAN.
Read: List of ASEAN Member Countries, from Founders to Newest Addition
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