Bravo! ASEAN

Sunday 26 October 2025

Bravo! Timor-Leste receives full membership status to ASEAN. This has been in the pipeline for many years, and the result was never a given. The successful outcome is a direct result of the incredibly hard work of dozens – if not hundreds – of people, and of their leadership, who saw the opportunity membership affords and focused on achieving it.

As someone who has worked and lived in the country since before independence, and has seen the incredible social and economic advancements, this is a truly momentous day.

For the current and future generations of Timorese people, this is an incredible gift that represents a new world of opportunity to embrace. Looking at the Timorese youth now entering the workforce, embarking on tertiary studies, or those looking after a growing family, I am filled with excitement for them about what their future holds as members of this immense regional structure.

ASEAN represents the world’s third-largest population group after India and China. It has the world’s fifth-largest GDP. Almost half of its population is under 30. These numbers show ASEAN’s significant position in the world and highlight the scale of the opportunity now open to Timor-Leste. Change will not happen overnight for all, but with focus and ambition, a new world awaits.

I wish all the Timorese people well at this exciting time, and I congratulate President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao for their leadership in achieving ASEAN accession for Timor-Leste.