Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Timor-Leste on its admission as the 11th member state of ASEAN at the 47th ASEAN Summit held here today. He stated that this historic milestone not only strengthens the ASEAN family but also opens new avenues for expanding economic, investment, education, and digital transformation cooperation across the region.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid listened closely to the words of Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmo, who expressed his nation's determination to stand on its own while strengthening the ASEAN bloc. He noted that the Prime Minister's speech reflected the true spirit of unity and solidarity in Southeast Asia, values that have been the heartbeat of ASEAN since its inception.

Ahmad Zahid also recalled his official visit to Timor-Leste in August last year, during which he witnessed firsthand the country's potential, the spirit of its people, and the commitment of its leadership to progress together with the region. He extended congratulations to Malaysia as well, as the host and ASEAN Chair in 2025, for witnessing another significant milestone in the regional journey.

Several Cabinet ministers also conveyed their congratulations to Timor-Leste. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad expressed his warmest congratulations, stating that Timor-Leste's presence marks a new chapter in ASEAN's increasingly inclusive and comprehensive journey. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir described Timor-Leste's admission as a symbol of the unity and inclusiveness that form the foundation of ASEAN's establishment.

Timor-Leste's accession completes the geographical representation of Southeast Asia. The youngest nation in the region gained its independence on May 20, 2002. In 2011, it formally applied to join ASEAN, marking a decade-long journey to meet the bloc's economic and institutional benchmarks.