KUALA LUMPUR: Timor-Leste has officially deposited the Instrument of Accession to the Asean Charter, paving the way for its entry as a member into the regional grouping.
This formal document is signed as part of the process of becoming an official Asean member.
This also meant that the country had agreed to abide by the Asean Charter.
The instrument was deposited by Timor-Leste Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito Freitas.
Also present at the ceremony was Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan in the capacity of Malaysia as Asean Chair and Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn.
Timore Leste had also deposited the Instrument of Accession to the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty.
Welcoming Timor-Leste on behalf of Malaysia and Asean, Mohamad described the moment as historic.
“This effectively marks Timor-Leste’s full admission as the 11th member of Asean, and the expansion of Asean’s scope to include each and every sovereign state in this home we share,” he said in his remarks after the ceremony on Saturday (Oct 25).
“Today, we celebrate you, a nation built on courage, perseverance, and unyielding hope, as you join a family that has long awaited your full inclusion. Welcome to the Asean Family, and to our venerated Charter,” he added.
Mohamad said the Asean Charter is more than just a foundational document, adding that the Charter is the heartbeat of the regional grouping’s shared vision, a covenant of trust, respect, and solidarity that has bounded the diverse nations together, in pursuit of peace and prosperity.
“By acceding to the Charter, Timor-Leste has pledged to walk hand-in-hand with us, weaving the aspirations of its people, into the fabric of our ever-evolving Asean community,” he said.
He said Timor-Leste brings new energy, fresh perspectives, and a youthful population ready to contribute, adding that it would enrich Asean not only in terms of demography, but politically, culturally, and economically.
