Jakarta, December 11, 2025. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) today celebrated a historic event by welcoming the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, at the headquarters of the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. With this event, Timor-Leste’s accession as the eleventh member of the regional bloc is consolidated.
During the ceremony, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn welcomed Prime Minister Gusmão, who reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the principles of cooperation, unity, and sustainable development that guide the regional community.
Prime Minister Gusmão emphasized that Timor-Leste’s entry into ASEAN represents “a decisive step toward consolidating the regional identity and toward a shared future of peace and prosperity.”
Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn highlighted that “ASEAN is strengthened by the incorporation of Timor-Leste, expanding its representativeness and reaffirming its role as a driver of integration in Southeast Asia.”
Timor-Leste’s incorporation into ASEAN carries important historical significance. It is the first expansion of the bloc since 1999. Timor-Leste had applied for membership in 2011 and had been participating as an observer in ASEAN meetings since then. Membership opens new opportunities for cooperation in trade, infrastructure, security, and social development.
Timor-Leste’s accession was previously formalized at the 47th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025. The event in Jakarta symbolizes the country’s full integration into the organization’s working mechanisms.
The Ambassador of Cuba to ASEAN, Dagmar González Grau, participated in this event, where she had the opportunity to greet the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.