Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn (left), with President of Timor-Leste, H.E. José Manuel Ramos-Horta (right) during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025, in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.

On 27 January 2025, President José Ramos-Horta revealed that Timor-Leste’s full membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is anticipated to be finalized by May 2025. He emphasized that this goal is a national priority during remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The announcement follows the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat held on 19 January 2025 in Langkawi, Malaysia, where ministers commended Timor-Leste’s progress in implementing the roadmap for full membership. Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister, Bendito Freitas, attended the retreat as an observer.

Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, stated that Timor-Leste aims to fulfill all accession roadmap criteria by April 2025. Preparations include nationwide advocacy campaigns to raise ASEAN awareness, participation in capacity-building programs, and aligning national policies with ASEAN standards.

Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister, Bendito Freitas during ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Langkawi, Malaysia.

Minister Freitas expressed a desire for Timor-Leste to officially join ASEAN under Malaysia’s chairmanship. He described 2025 as a pivotal year, calling it a “decisive and historic moment” for the country.

Freitas highlighted his country’s active participation in ASEAN summits since its in-principle admission in 2022 under Cambodia’s chairmanship. He argued that Timor-Leste’s inclusion would strengthen ASEAN’s unity and diplomatic influence, adding, “We can be one power, one voice together as ASEAN.” 

Source: ASEAN.org & ASEAN BERNAMA