East Timor Joins ASEAN as 11th Member During 47th Summit

The 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28, 2025, marked a significant milestone with the inclusion of East Timor as the bloc's 11th member. This expansion, the first since the 1990s, underscores ASEAN's commitment to regional unity and inclusivity.

East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, has pursued ASEAN membership since gaining independence from Indonesia in 2002. The nation applied for membership in 2011 and was granted observer status in 2022. Its accession was formalized during the summit, with leaders of member states signing off on its inclusion. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country chaired the summit, stated, "East Timor's accession completes the ASEAN family—reaffirming our shared destiny and deep sense of regional kinship."

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao of East Timor described the accession as a "dream realized" for the young nation. He emphasized that joining ASEAN represents a step toward economic integration and regional cooperation. With a population of 1.4 million and a GDP of approximately $2 billion, East Timor now gains access to ASEAN's combined economy of $3.8 trillion.

The summit also addressed regional security concerns. Cambodia and Thailand signed an expanded border ceasefire agreement, brokered in part by U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement includes the release of prisoners and the withdrawal of heavy weapons, with ASEAN members overseeing its implementation. Leaders hailed the accord as a major step toward lasting peace.

In addition to East Timor's accession and the ceasefire agreement, the summit featured engagements with key partners, including China, Japan, India, Australia, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. These meetings reinforced ASEAN's strategic role in regional and global affairs.

East Timor's membership is expected to bolster its economic prospects and bring new energy to ASEAN, particularly in areas like youth empowerment and small-state diplomacy. However, challenges remain due to East Timor’s limited administrative and institutional capacity. The nation continues to grapple with high levels of inequality, malnutrition, and unemployment. It remains heavily reliant on oil, with little diversification into other sectors, raising concerns about its ability to participate meaningfully in ASEAN’s development agenda.

Despite these challenges, East Timor's accession to ASEAN signifies a strengthening of regional unity and cooperation. It reflects ASEAN's commitment to inclusivity and adaptability, especially at a time of geopolitical flux. As the youngest country in Asia, East Timor's entry marks a significant milestone in its regional integration and diplomatic development.

The 47th ASEAN Summit has set the stage for significant developments in regional cooperation, economic integration, and sustainable development. The accession of East Timor, the expanded ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, and the engagements with key global partners collectively reflect ASEAN's proactive approach to addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities in the region.