Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday said the admission of Timor-Leste as a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) demonstrates the bloc’s strengthened commitment to regional unity and cooperation. ‘Today marks a historic milestone for Southeast Asia as we officially welcome Timor-Leste into the ASEAN family. Its admission reflects our region’s collective commitment to unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity,’ Marcos said in his message. ‘As we open the 47th ASEAN Summit, the Philippines stands ready to work with all member states to build a more inclusive, secure and sustainable future for our people.’

According to Philippines News Agency, during the opening ceremony, Marcos and the nine other ASEAN leaders signed the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN, formally recognizing the country as the 11th member. As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairship in 2026, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Manila sees Dili contributing to the bloc’s shared goals toward an economically-resilient and secure region.

As the newest member, Timor-Leste is expected to further strengthen regional cooperation in key areas such as economic growth, people-to-people exchanges and regional integration. Timor-Leste, located in the eastern part of the island of Timor, first applied for ASEAN membership in 2011. In 2022, ASEAN leaders agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as a member, granting it observer status and participation rights in meetings.

Following the successful implementation of a comprehensive roadmap covering the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars, Timor-Leste’s formal admission marks the culmination of the process, underscoring ASEAN’s continuing commitment to inclusivity and shared prosperity across the region.