Three years ago, in an interview with Twentytwo13 filled with conviction, President Dr Jose Ramos-Horta made a promise to “push Timor-Leste to a whole new level”, outlining his country’s vision to improve infrastructure, attract investment and find its rightful place among Southeast Asia’s family of nations.
Today, that promise is on the cusp of being fulfilled, with Asean preparing to formally welcome Timor-Leste as its 11th member state next month.
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim praised the young nation for its moral courage and unwavering commitment to justice, even when larger, more developed countries faltered.
Wrapping up his two-day visit to Timor-Leste today, Anwar – the first Malaysian prime minister to visit the country since Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in October 2003 – said he was delighted that Timor-Leste would soon become a full Asean member.
“Asean has gone through thick and thin, persevered and grown. Yet the lessons of the past few years reinforce what our founding fathers knew back then – our unity, cohesion and centrality are not a given. They have waxed and waned through our nearly six decades of existence,” said Anwar, as Malaysia chairs Asean in 2025.
“Asean was formed at a time of intense geopolitical rivalry between the United States of America and the Soviet Union. But our forefathers had the wisdom and vision to realise that this region must retain its vigour and be a zone of peace.
“People often ask me why I am so adamant about ensuring that Timor-Leste becomes a full member of Asean as soon as possible. My answer is simple – whether a country is newly independent or relatively poorer is insignificant. It is part of our region, it has great experience, and it will contribute enormously to our enterprise to strengthen Asean.”
Anwar added that, rhetoric aside, Asean’s cohesion and centrality must be earned, re-earned and fortified – and that a divided Asean would hamper the collective vision for a peaceful and prosperous region.
Back in 2022, Ramos-Horta laid out plans that seemed ambitious for a country with a population of just 1.3 million. He spoke of submarine cables to improve digital connectivity, airport expansions and the launch of Southeast Asia’s most modern port in Dili.
Sceptics questioned whether such aspirations were realistic. But three years on, many of those projects are no longer visions on a whiteboard – they are realities helping to redefine Timor-Leste’s regional relevance.
Major foreign investments have followed, including a project from Singapore to develop hospitality and healthcare infrastructure. Economic ties with neighbours – including Malaysia – have deepened, with over 200 Malaysian small and medium enterprises now active in the country. Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Timor-Leste reached US$18.72 million last year.
Anwar said as Asean countries continue to expand their regional engagement with other groupings, Timor-Leste can help open new pathways – particularly with the Lusophone world, which includes nine member nations and over 35 associate observers.
“To germinate those connections and collaborations, it would be plainly advantageous for Asean to have a member state that has already been a part of the Lusophone Community for over two decades,” said Anwar.
“I should mention that my good friend President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, a key mover within the community and also within the broader Global South, will be attending the Asean Summit next month.
“Another connection which immediately comes to mind is Asean’s relationship with small Pacific Island nations. I look forward to Timor-Leste playing an active role in advancing this cooperation, based on shared interests and further connecting Asean with this key region in the Indo-Pacific.”
During Anwar’s visit, Malaysia and Timor-Leste agreed to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, education, health, tourism and security.
Anwar, who addressed the Timor-Leste Parliament earlier today, was conferred the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste in recognition of his support and friendship, further cementing the strong ties between the two nations.
Main image: Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook
