KUALA LUMPUR: History is made on Sunday (Oct 26) as Timor Leste is admitted as Asean’s 11th member with the signing of the admission declaration.
The landmark ceremony, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Asean chair, marks a defining moment in the region’s community building.
Anwar signed first, followed by other Asean leaders and Timor Leste.
After the formalities, leaders posed with representatives from Brazil, the European Council, South Africa, Canada and the UN secretary general.
Anwar and Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao remained on stage as Asean secretary general Kao Kim Hourn received the signed declaration.
Moments later, the Timor Leste flag was placed alongside other Asean flags, drawing cheers and tears from journalists at the media centre.
Taking the podium as Asean’s newest member, Gusmao spoke with pride and gratitude.
“Today, history is made. Timor Leste has been admitted as the 11th member of Asean,” he said.
