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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered a keynote address in Dili on Wednesday as part of a Presidential Lecture series at the Presidential Palace, highlighting the vital role of Timor-Leste in ASEAN’s future.
The address, titled “ASEAN & the Role of Timor-Leste”, marked the centrepiece of his official visit to the country and was broadcast live on Malaysian national television, RTM.
During the ceremony, Anwar was awarded the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, one of the country’s highest honours, in recognition of Malaysia’s longstanding support for Timor-Leste’s development and regional cooperation efforts.
Anwar underscored the importance of Timor-Leste’s impending ASEAN membership, framing it as a strategic move to enhance economic integration, political stability and diplomatic engagement across Southeast Asia.
“This visit not only strengthens bilateral ties between Malaysia and Timor-Leste, but also creates an opportunity to engage on global issues of mutual concern,” he said.
The visit is expected to bolster cooperation across several sectors, including trade, education, security and people-to-people relations between the two nations.
Timor-Leste to join ASEAN next month, marking historic milestone in regional integration
Timor-Leste will officially become the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this October, with the accession to be formalised at a summit of world leaders in Kuala Lumpur.
The announcement was made by Anwar yesterday (Sept 23) during an official visit to the Timorese capital, Dili.
"The accession of Timor-Leste to ASEAN will be of immense benefit to us all," AFP reported Anwar saying during a joint press conference with President Jose Ramos-Horta.
"We will certainly have a big celebration for your accession to ASEAN in October."
The move marks a major diplomatic milestone for Southeast Asia's youngest nation, which gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 following a 24-year occupation.
The country submitted its application to join ASEAN in 2011 and has since been working to meet the bloc’s membership criteria.
“Our discussions have been a warm, constructive focus on the future as we prepare for our historic accession to ASEAN in October in Kuala Lumpur,” said President Ramos-Horta.
“We are committed to working closely with Malaysia and all ASEAN members to fulfil the remaining milestones on our path to full membership.”
Bilateral talks between the two leaders also covered trade, investment, education, tourism, and defence.
Anwar is also expected to meet Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao during the visit.
At an earlier event, Anwar and his delegation attended a cultural reception hosted by President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Gusmao. The evening featured traditional performances, songs and local art, celebrating the country’s heritage.
"Besides enjoying the cultural performances, the event provided a valuable platform to exchange views on current, regional and global issues," Anwar wrote in a Facebook post.
He also stressed the need for both countries to deepen bilateral ties, saying, "Close cooperation between Malaysia and Timor-Leste must continue to be strengthened to bring long-term benefits to the people of both nations."
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, Timor-Leste faces domestic challenges, including high unemployment, child malnutrition, and an economy heavily dependent on oil revenues.
ASEAN was established in 1967 with five founding members and has steadily expanded, with Cambodia the most recent to join in 1999.
US President Donald Trump is expected to attend the Kuala Lumpur summit, where Timor-Leste’s full ASEAN membership will be officially ratified. - September 24, 2025