Timor-Leste joins ASEAN after 14-year campaign

Its Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao joined ASEAN leaders for a summit and signing ceremony in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, before posing for photographs together in interlocking arms.

"This is not only a dream realized, but a powerful affirmation of our journey -- one marked by resilience, determination and hope," Gusmao said.

"This is not the end of our journey. This is the beginning of an inspiring new chapter," he added.

Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao speaks during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 26, 2025. Photo by AFP

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country currently chairs ASEAN, said Timor-Leste's accession "completes the ASEAN family -- reaffirming our shared destiny and deep sense of regional kinship."

"Within this community, Timor-Leste's development and its strategic autonomy will find firm and lasting support," Anwar said.

Timor-Leste is the youngest country in the region, having gained independence after separating from Indonesia in 2002. President Jose Ramos-Horta has long campaigned for ASEAN membership, and an application was first submitted in 2011 during his first term.

Timor-Leste was granted observer status to the regional body in 2022 but its full membership was delayed by various challenges.

ASEAN began as a five-member bloc in 1967 and has gradually expanded, with Cambodia the most recent addition in 1999.

The country's admission is seen as one of the crowning achievements of Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship.