KUALA LUMPUR: Becoming a member of one big family will help us all get stronger and rise together, says Timor Leste Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas on the country being set to become an Asean member.
Bendito said Timor Leste becoming an Asean member state marks a historic moment for the country.
“We appreciate support from Malaysia as the Asean chair as well as other member states. This is very important for us, joining voices in one family,” he added.
“We will get stronger together and rise together,” he said on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits on Saturday (Oct 25).
Earlier on Saturday, Timor Leste officially deposited the Instrument of Accession to the Asean Charter, paving the way for its entry into the regional grouping.
This formal document is signed as part of the process of becoming an official Asean member.
This also means that the country has agreed to abide by the Asean Charter.
The instrument was deposited by Bendito.
