Timor-Leste has attended its first-ever ASEAN Summit after being accepted, in principle, as the 11th member of the regional association in November last year. During the opening of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Wednesday, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak remarked that the country has taken steps to build vital infrastructures in accordance with the agreed roadmap for full membership. Ruak stated that Timor-Leste has expanded its airport in the capital city of Dili and ensured a safe communication network through underwater optic cables. In his speech, the prime minister also revealed that his government has begun to make improvements to the quality of services to provide ease and comfort to leaders and tourists keen to visit commercial facilities, such as restaurants and conference venues.
Ruak affirmed that Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN was a crucial moment in the midst of global competition and ever-changing dynamics in the region. “Together with ASEAN, we will prosper. We will be one of the trustful leaders in the ASEAN region. We will be your partner,” he stated. Timor-Leste officially submitted its request to become a full member of ASEAN in 2011. The country finally received the green light after the ASEAN countries agreed, in principle, to accept it as the bloc’s new member at the previous ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November 2022.
On February 13, Prime Minister Ruak conducted an official visit to Indonesia and was directly received by Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java. President Widodo stated that as the chair of ASEAN in 2023, Indonesia has been formulating a dedicated roadmap for Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN. The roadmap outlines steps that Timor-Leste has to go through to gain full membership, including exercising obligations found in agreements or treaties under the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars of ASEAN.
Timor-Leste stands to benefit significantly from its inclusion in ASEAN. Its biggest trading partner is Indonesia, and ASEAN membership would help formalize trade relations with the bloc’s other nine members. Timor-Leste is also set to benefit from technical assistance and capacity building programs offered by ASEAN, which would help improve the country’s infrastructure, human resources, and governance.
In addition to its economic benefits, Timor-Leste’s inclusion will also be significant politically. ASEAN is a respected regional organization that has become a key player in Southeast Asian regional governance with significant soft power. Timor-Leste’s membership would enhance its regional standing and allow it to engage more productively with countries in the region. ASEAN’s tradition of non-interference could also provide the country with a layer of protection in the event of external interference.
Overall, Timor-Leste’s inclusion is expected to reinforce ASEAN’s commitment to regional integration and mark a crucial milestone in the organization’s history. With Timor-Leste’s accession, ASEAN is set to become a more influential and cohesive regional organization and help boost the prospects for peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
