Kuala lumpur: Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmo has reiterated the importance of peace and dialogue in ensuring sustainable development across the ASEAN region and beyond. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits today, he emphasized the commitment of ASEAN’s dialogue partners, including China, Japan, and South Korea, to work closely with the regional bloc to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Gusmo highlighted that not only China, Japan, and South Korea, but all partners are committed to collaborating with ASEAN to improve people’s lives and promote development across all sectors. He stressed that these partners are also determined to ensure peace in the region, sending a clear message to the world that without peace, there can be no development.

Commenting on the possibility of ASEAN expanding to include more members in the future, Gusmo said the decision would rest with ASEAN member states. When asked about his feelings at the conclusion of the summit, he candidly replied, “Honestly, very tired.”

Timor-Leste officially acceded to ASEAN on October 26 as the 11th member state, marking a historic milestone for both the nation and the bloc. The accession, the grouping’s first expansion in 26 years, was formalized through the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN.