East Timor, Asia’s youngest nation, has officially become the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after a 14-year wait. The historic moment was marked during the opening of the ASEAN annual summit in Kuala Lumpur, where East Timor’s flag was raised amidst applause from regional leaders. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao described the occasion as a ‘dream realised’ and a ‘new beginning’ that promises ‘immense opportunities’ for trade and investment. East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, is one of Asia’s poorest nations, with a fledgling economy valued at approximately $2 billion, a stark contrast to ASEAN’s collective GDP of $3.8 trillion. The country’s accession to ASEAN is seen as a symbolic victory for its leaders, including President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Gusmao, who played pivotal roles in the nation’s struggle for independence. Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, first proposed the idea of joining ASEAN in the 1970s, envisioning regional integration as a pathway to stability and growth. Despite its modest economic contribution, East Timor aims to leverage its unique experiences in conflict resolution to strengthen ASEAN’s mechanisms, particularly in addressing disputes over borders and the South China Sea. The country’s journey to ASEAN membership underscores its resilience and determination to forge a brighter future within the regional bloc.
‘Dream realised’: Youngest Asian nation East Timor now Asean’s 11th member after 14-year wait
