Vice Prime Minister discusses membership requirements, economic agreements and implementation of ASEAN commitments.
Mr Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, met ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn at the ASEAN Headquarters and ASEAN Secretariat to discuss the country’s continued integration into ASEAN. The meeting focused on Timor-Leste’s progress in fulfilling the remaining requirements for full ASEAN membership, completing its accession to outstanding ASEAN Economic Agreements (AEAs) and implementing its commitments as a member of the regional organisation.
During the meeting, Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay and Dr Kao exchanged views on the implementation of the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN. Discussions centred on the remaining criteria under the roadmap and the country’s ongoing efforts to meet the requirements for full participation in ASEAN.
The engagement also addressed Timor-Leste’s progress in completing its accession to the remaining ASEAN Economic Agreements. These agreements constitute an important part of the country’s integration into ASEAN’s economic framework, requiring continued efforts to fulfil the relevant commitments and participate in the regional organisation’s economic arrangements.
Both sides discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in supporting Timor-Leste’s implementation of its ASEAN commitments. The exchange provided an opportunity to review the country’s ongoing accession-related work and consider areas where continued support from the ASEAN Secretariat could facilitate its integration process.
Dr Kao reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s continued commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s full and effective integration into ASEAN. This includes supporting the country in addressing the remaining requirements under its membership roadmap and completing the necessary accession processes for the outstanding ASEAN Economic Agreements.
Timor-Leste’s continued integration into ASEAN involves progress on both institutional and economic commitments. The discussions highlighted the ongoing work required to fulfil the remaining membership criteria and complete the country’s participation in the relevant ASEAN agreements, with the ASEAN Secretariat maintaining its support for the process.
Source: ASEAN
