Timor-Leste Officially Joins ASEAN as Its 11th Member Nation

October 26, 2025 — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Timor-Leste has officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its 11th member nation, marking a historic milestone for both the country and the region. The accession ceremony was hosted by Malaysia and attended by Prime Minister José Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and President José Ramos-Horta.

This milestone comes after years of preparation and diplomatic engagement since Timor-Leste first applied for ASEAN membership in 2011. Both the Prime Minister and President emphasized the nation’s commitment to peace, regional cooperation, and sustainable development, calling this moment a proud step toward deeper collaboration with Southeast Asian neighbors.

Timor-Leste’s membership strengthens ASEAN as a unified community of 11 nations working together toward prosperity and stability. The new membership opens opportunities for collaboration in trade, education, culture, and sustainable development, reinforcing Timor-Leste’s role as an active and engaged member of the regional community.