ASEAN Leaders Reaffirm Timor-Leste's Full Membership Ahead of October 2025 Accession

Historic Accession Nears for Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste is on track to achieve full membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in October 2025, a development that has received strong reaffirmation from key member states, including Malaysia and Cambodia. This significant milestone will see Timor-Leste become the 11th member of the regional bloc, with the formal accession expected to take place during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The journey towards full membership has been a protracted one, spanning over a decade since Timor-Leste first applied in 2011. The process gained significant momentum in November 2022 when ASEAN leaders, during the 40th and 41st Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, agreed 'in principle' to admit Timor-Leste and granted it observer status. This was followed by the adoption of a comprehensive Roadmap for Full Membership at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in May 2023, outlining the technical and institutional criteria Timor-Leste needed to fulfill.

Strong Support from Malaysia and Cambodia

Both Malaysia and Cambodia have been vocal and consistent supporters of Timor-Leste's ASEAN bid.

• Malaysia: As the current ASEAN chair in 2025, Malaysia has played a crucial role in expediting the membership process. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has repeatedly expressed his country's 'unwavering support' for Timor-Leste's inclusion, emphasizing that its accession would be 'of immense benefit to us all' and would complete ASEAN geographically. Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan also confirmed the October 26, 2025, official admission date.
• Cambodia: Cambodia has consistently backed Timor-Leste's aspiration since 2011. Recent high-level discussions have seen Cambodian officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Prak Sokhonn and National Assembly President Khuon Sudary, reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and supporting Timor-Leste's upcoming membership. Former Prime Minister Hun Sen also played a significant role in securing the 'in principle' agreement in 2022.

Preparations and Future Implications

Timor-Leste has been diligently working to meet the requirements of the membership roadmap, which includes complying with approximately 88 instruments, with 69 pertaining to the economic pillar. Malaysia has even established a special unit at the ASEAN Secretariat to assist Timor-Leste in this process. The country's commitment to regional integration is evident through its active participation in various ASEAN meetings since being granted observer status.

The full membership of Timor-Leste is anticipated to bring substantial benefits, including increased trade and investment opportunities, greater regional inclusion, and enhanced stability. It also represents an ideological achievement for ASEAN, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and strengthening its position as a significant economic and diplomatic force on the global stage.