ASEAN welcomes Timor-Leste as 11th member at Malaysia-hosted summit

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations officially welcomed Timor-Leste as its newest member during the 47th ASEAN summit opening in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. The inclusion of the Southeast Asian nation marks the bloc’s first expansion since Cambodia joined in 1999, strengthening regional unity under the summit’s theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”

Historic Expansion of ASEAN

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, hosting the summit as ASEAN chair, described Timor-Leste’s accession as a milestone that “completes the ASEAN family.” The nation, which gained independence in 2002 and applied for ASEAN membership in 2011, had previously held observer status since 2022. Anwar affirmed that Timor-Leste’s membership reaffirms the region’s shared destiny and will support the country’s development and strategic autonomy.

Global Participation and Key Agendas

The summit has drawn leaders and high-level officials from key dialogue partners, including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and South Africa. U.S. President Donald Trump is among the attendees and is scheduled to participate in the signing of a peace accord between Cambodia and Thailand—two ASEAN members that experienced border clashes earlier this year.

ASEAN’s Evolving Role

Reflecting on Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN chair, Anwar emphasized that the role involves defining priorities and renewing the bloc’s sense of purpose. Founded in 1967, ASEAN now comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and newly added Timor-Leste. The three-day summit is expected to address regional cooperation, economic resilience, and sustainable development, reinforcing ASEAN’s growing influence in global affairs.