Jakarta: Myanmar and Timor-Leste have initiated discussions to address their differences, paving the way for Timor-Leste's planned accession to ASEAN in October this year, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn announced. In a media interview on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, Kao expressed confidence that the ongoing dialogue would not hinder the accession process.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Timor-Leste had dismissed Myanmar's objection to its ASEAN membership as 'inconsequential and irrelevant.' This followed a formal objection letter from Myanmar accusing Timor-Leste of violating ASEAN's core principle of non-interference. The letter, signed by junta official Han Win Aung, warned that continued violations could result in a rejection of Timor-Leste's membership bid.

Kao highlighted Timor-Leste's progress toward full ASEAN membership, noting the establishment of embassies in all member states and a fully operational permanent mission to ASEAN since 2023. ASEAN has also set up a Timor-Leste Unit within its Secretariat to aid the country's integration efforts.

Kao acknowledged that while membership requirements will continue post-accession, Timor-Leste has largely met the minimum criteria, including aligning with ASEAN processes and frameworks. He noted that although ASEAN has evolved over the past two decades, Timor-Leste is well-positioned to meet these challenges.

On the issue of Myanmar's non-compliance with the Five-Point Consensus, Kao emphasized ASEAN's commitment to constructive engagement. Under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship, significant efforts have been made to facilitate dialogue, including plans for four ASEAN foreign ministers to visit Myanmar as part of ongoing engagement strategies.

Myanmar, which has faced restrictions in ASEAN meetings since the 2021 military coup, currently maintains limited influence within the regional bloc.