Timor-Leste’s Accession To Bolster ASEAN’s Regional Reach, Strategic Partnerships
By Voon Miaw Ping
KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 (Bernama) -- After 26 years, the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is poised to welcome its first new member since 1999 as Timor-Leste moves closer to attaining full membership in the regional bloc.
This long-anticipated accession holds far-reaching significance - not only for Timor-Leste but for the ASEAN region as a whole - amid an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic landscape.
The inclusion of Timor-Leste will further solidify ASEAN’s strategic standing and reinforce its relevance as a leading player on the global stage.
Political analyst Professor Camilo Ximenes Almeida of the National University of Timor-Leste said that Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN is expected to present a strategic opportunity to promote joint economic growth and foster greater regional stability and prosperity in the region.
“The integration of Timor-Leste represents a strategic opportunity for the organisation, not only because of the consolidation of its geographical presence, but also because of the potential for expanding the bloc’s interregional relations.
“Timor-Leste can contribute to a stronger and more united ASEAN, capable of tackling regional challenges more effectively and promoting greater integration among its members and strengthening regional community,” he said in an interview with Bernama.
Pathway To ASEAN Membership
Timor-Leste, the youngest nation in Southeast Asia, formally applied to be a member of ASEAN in 2011, nine years after gaining independence on May 20, 2002.
Although the accession process has been lengthy and challenging, Dili has demonstrated strong commitment to meeting the rigorous requirements for membership.
In November 2022, ASEAN agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as its 11th member and granted it “observer” status, allowing the country to participate in ASEAN meetings and plenary sessions of its summits.
With a population of about 1.3 million, Timor-Leste remains heavily reliant on oil and gas exports, while agriculture and services are increasingly contributing to the national revenue.
In 2024, Timor-Leste recorded a GDP growth of 4 per cent, compared to 2.4 per cent in 2023.
Ximenes also lauded Malaysia’s strong support and crucial role for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership bid, including financial contributions and facilitation for the country to complete the accession roadmap.
In February this year, Malaysia announced a pledge of US$200,000 to the Timor-Leste Unit at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta to speed up the country’s path to full ASEAN membership.
Malaysia also provides technical support through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which has so far trained 319 Timorese officials in various fields.
“This support not only strengthens bilateral ties between the two countries, but also underlines the strategic importance of a more inclusive and representative ASEAN,” he said.
New Dynamism, Bolstering Lusophone Linkages
He said Timor-Leste’s entry into ASEAN could bring a new dynamic to the organisation, especially in terms of promoting peace and stability in the region.
Timor-Leste’s experience in reconciliation and peace-building processes could serve as an example and inspiration for other ASEAN members, including Myanmar, which remains embroiled in protracted internal crisis, he said.
The integration of Timor-Leste is also expanding the bloc's international outreach, particularly with Portuguese-speaking countries in Europe, Africa and Latin America, promoting greater economic, political, and socio-cultural cooperation.
“Timor-Leste, with its historical and cultural heritage linked to Lusophony, establishes natural bridges with Europe, Africa, and Latin America, positioning itself as a facilitating link between ASEAN and these regions.
“This broadening of ASEAN's international relations could result in mutual benefits, such as increased trade, cultural exchanges, and collaborations in areas such as education and sustainable development,” he added.
Timor-Leste’s is expected to be formally granted ASEAN full membership during the 47th ASEAN Summit in October, subject to its fulfilment of the criteria outlined in the Full Membership Roadmap.
The roadmap comprises three work plans focusing on political and security issues, economic cooperation, and socio-cultural ties — all of which Timor-Leste must implement prior to being accorded full membership.
ASEAN formed in 1967 is currently comprises 10 member states - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Cambodia, was the most recent country to join the bloc, having acceded on April 30, 1999.
-- BERNAMA
