Kuala lumpur: The Declaration on the Accession of Timor-Leste to ASEAN, signed during the official opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, represents one of Malaysia's significant achievements during its current chairmanship.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister's Senior Press Secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, stated that the declaration formally recognizes Timor-Leste as ASEAN's 11th member state, completing the region's integration as a united community. The inclusion of Timor-Leste is expected to bring new dynamism to the three pillars of the ASEAN Community - Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural - and contribute to ASEAN's long-term vision of a truly inclusive Southeast Asia.
Yesterday, Timor-Leste formally deposited its Instruments of Accession to the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), officially confirming its entry as ASEAN's 11th member state. Kuala Lumpur takes center stage as Malaysia officially opens the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, marking the culmination of its year-long leadership as ASEAN Chair.
Tunku Nashrul highlighted that the ASEAN Chairmanship theme for 2025, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' showcases Malaysia's capacity to lead the region with a vision grounded in unity, fairness, and a sustainable future. The summit will bring together ASEAN leaders and the Chair's guests, making Kuala Lumpur a focal point of global diplomacy where the region's political, economic, and humanitarian directions will be collectively charted.
According to Tunku Nashrul, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will welcome the arrival of ASEAN Heads of State and Government, as well as Timor-Leste's delegation, alongside the Chair's guests - Brazil, South Africa, Canada, and the European Union - at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). The Official Opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit will follow, where the Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver a keynote address outlining Malaysia's aspirations to forge a more inclusive and sustainable ASEAN unity.
The Prime Minister will chair the 47th ASEAN Summit, consisting of the Plenary Session and the Retreat Session. During the Plenary Session, leaders will review progress in building the ASEAN Community and discuss ways to strengthen regional integration, economic growth, and connectivity. Discussions will also cover ASEAN's external relations, emphasizing unity, centrality, and the bloc's commitment to a rules-based international order.
The Retreat Session will focus on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) concerning the situation in Myanmar, as well as exchanging views on regional and international issues of common interest. Throughout the day, Anwar will hold several bilateral meetings with entities including the European Union, Japan, the United States, and the United Nations (UN).
Additionally, he will chair several summits, such as the 28th ASEAN-Japan Summit, the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit (held virtually), the 3rd Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders' Meeting, and the 13th ASEAN-United States Summit. Tunku Nashrul emphasized that under Anwar's leadership, Malaysia remains committed to upholding principled, people-centered regional leadership, ensuring that ASEAN continues to be the cornerstone of stability and a driving force in shaping a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Southeast Asia.