ASEAN Sec-Gen Urges Timor-Leste To Hasten Membership Criteria Fulfillment

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, April 2 (Bernama) -- ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn has encouraged Timor-Leste to swiftly meet the requirements outlined in the roadmap for its full membership in ASEAN.

He also reiterated ASEAN Secretariat's unwavering support during talks with Timor-Leste Government members on Tuesday.

Kao is on an official visit to Dili from April 1-4, at the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas, according to the ASEAN Secretariat on its website.

Earlier, during a courtesy call to President Dr José Ramos-Horta at the Presidential Palace, Kao lauded Timor-Leste’s eagerness and efforts towards ASEAN membership.

He reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to assisting Timor-Leste in meeting ASEAN’s requirements and enhancing its capacity building.

Besides holding discussions with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and Minister Freitas, Kao also met with National Parliament President and Head of Parliamentary Benches Maria Fernanda Lay.

He urged the National Parliament to provide full legislative support to Timor-Leste’s journey towards ASEAN membership and expressed confidence in the mutual benefits for ASEAN and Timor-Leste through membership.

-- BERNAMA