Timor Leste is poised to achieve full-fledged ASEAN membership ideally by 2025, while remaining open to alternative time frames endorsed by other Southeast Asian leaders, as articulated by its President, José Ramos-Horta.
Addressing the Democracy Dialogue forum in Jakarta on Monday, Ramos-Horta stated, "The Prime Minister and I have concurred that the optimal timing for Timor Leste's complete ASEAN membership would be in 2025." He went on to emphasize that flexibility exists should ASEAN leaders propose a different timeline, such as 2024, and Timor Leste would readily accommodate such decisions. The 2025 timeline would provide a two-year window to fortify the advancements made in accordance with the roadmap, ensuring enhanced readiness as a full-fledged member.
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ASEAN has preliminarily endorsed Timor Leste as its 11th member, already extending observer status to the country, granting participation in meetings including the summit plenaries. During the assembly in Labuan Bajo in May, ASEAN leaders crafted a roadmap for Timor Leste's full membership. Ramos-Horta confirmed that Timor Leste is in the process of formulating an action plan, designed to translate the ASEAN-approved roadmap into the government's annual action plans.
"This action plan is designed to ensure that the initiatives and activities of each ministry contribute cohesively to the accession process and regional integration endeavors. The roadmap is harmonized with our national strategic development plan," explained Ramos-Horta.
In addition to outlining its commitments, Timor Leste is actively undertaking institutional reforms aimed at ensuring that its ASEAN membership serves not only its national interests but also enhances the well-being of the broader region.
Ramos-Horta shared that Timor Leste is on the verge of appointing an ambassador to ASEAN, signifying its commitment to the membership process.
These developments closely follow a statement from Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, who indicated that Timor Leste would reassess its ASEAN membership if the association fails to address the Myanmar crisis. Gusmão asserted, "As Prime Minister, Timor Leste will withhold its ASEAN membership if the organization is unable to engage with the military junta. I have also conveyed this stance to UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres," as reported by news-viptv.
