Kuala lumpur: Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmo departed for home today after a five-day visit to Malaysia, during which his country achieved a historic milestone by being admitted as the 11th member state of ASEAN. He left from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 12.30 pm following a red-carpet send-off ceremony at the Bunga Raya Complex, where a guard of honour was mounted by the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil was present to bid farewell to Gusmo and his delegation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Gusmo, who arrived in Malaysia on Oct 24, was among the earliest leaders to arrive and the last to leave, reflecting Timor-Leste's eagerness to be part of the ASEAN family. On Sunday, Timor-Leste was officially admitted as the 11th member state of ASEAN, marking the country's aspiration to join the regional bloc. Gusmo described the admission as a dream realised and a powerful affirmation of their journey marked by resilience and hope.

Timor-Leste first formally applied for ASEAN membership in March 2011, nearly a decade after gaining independence in 2002. Gusmo highlighted the opportunities ASEAN membership offers in trade, investment, education, and the digital economy, which will strengthen Timor-Leste's regional and global integration. He expressed readiness to uphold good governance and strengthen institutions towards sustainable development.

The accession was formalised through the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste into ASEAN, witnessed by ASEAN leaders and dignitaries, including Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as ASEAN Chair. The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, held from Oct 26 to 28, saw Malaysia hosting more than 30 world leaders from various regions to deepen engagement and cooperation while addressing regional and global issues of mutual concern.