Timor-Leste Officially Joins ASEAN as 11th Member

ASEAN members signed a “historic” declaration on Sunday formally admitting Timor-Leste as the bloc’s 11th member.

The announcement was hailed as a milestone in regional integration as the formal admission was celebrated during a signing ceremony at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, attended by leaders from the 10 existing member states.

Leaders praised the milestone, with congratulations extended to President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, calling it a step that “completes the ASEAN family” and reaffirms the bloc’s shared vision. (Agencies)