Timor-Leste has been officially admitted as the 11th member of ASEAN during the 47th Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao appeared emotional as leaders, including President Prabowo Subianto, signed the admission declaration. This membership marks a new chapter for Southeast Asia.
The 47th ASEAN Summit took place in Kuala Lumpur from October 26-28, 2025, under the theme “Forging a Resilient and Inclusive Future Together.” On the second day, Sunday (October 26), ASEAN leaders signed the “Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN,” making the nation independent since 2002 the 11th member.
Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao could not hold back tears during the ceremony. He stated, “Viewing ASEAN as a region, we believe that by joining ASEAN, many of our issues and voices can be heard. If we are alone, people will ask who we are, a small country.” Gusmao acknowledged significant support from ASEAN countries since Timor-Leste expressed its intent to join in 2011, following the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in 2007.
The long process involved reforms in the economic sector and human capacity building to meet ASEAN's pillars: political-security (APSC), economic (AEC), and socio-cultural (ASCC). In 2022, ASEAN approved membership in principle and granted observer status. Despite doubts from countries like Singapore about Timor-Leste's readiness, Indonesia's diplomacy played a key role.
Additionally, the summit witnessed the signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia on their border conflict by Prime Ministers Anutin Charnvirakul and Hun Manet, witnessed by ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump. ASEAN now comprises Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.