Kuala Lumpur: Southeast Asian leaders have agreed to accept Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October, subject to the fulfilment of several remaining requirements for full membership. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the leaders had reached a consensus to support Timor-Leste in taking all necessary steps to become a full member of the regional bloc.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the decision was made during the 46th ASEAN Summit, where Anwar emphasized that the acceptance is contingent upon Timor-Leste meeting specific conditions, particularly concerning the economic pillar. Anwar expressed optimism that Timor-Leste would be accepted as a full member by the next summit in October, provided that the necessary actions or reforms are undertaken.

Timor-Leste, which first applied for ASEAN membership in 2011, was granted observer status at high-level meetings in 2022. However, its full integration is still under evaluation. Its Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, who attended the Summit in Kuala Lumpur, expressed optimism about securing full membership by the end of this year.

In his chairman's statement following the summit, Anwar noted that ASEAN leaders have tasked their ministers and senior officials to undertake procedural steps for Timor-Leste's admission by the 47th ASEAN Summit in October. This includes expediting negotiations on key economic agreements. The ASEAN Coordinating Council, with the support of all relevant ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies (ASMBs) and the ASEAN Secretariat, has been tasked to facilitate Timor-Leste's integration into the ASEAN Community.

ASEAN member states have welcomed the operationalisation of the Timor-Leste Unit, which will monitor progress in implementing the membership roadmap and coordinate support from ASEAN Member States and external partners. They have also encouraged partners to continue supporting Timor-Leste in fulfilling the criteria outlined in the roadmap.