Overjoyed: Timor-Leste delegates raising their hands in jubilation after the signing ceremony of the declaration on the admission of the nation into Asean. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The moment the big announcement was made, emotions erupted – laughter, applause and tears, all blending into one.
For Timor-Leste, the newest member of the Asean family, the milestone was more than symbolic.
Describing it as a dream more than a decade in the making, the Timor-Leste delegates say it’s not just a diplomatic milestone but a deeply emotional moment for the country and its people.
Francisca Maia, who is part of the Timor-Leste delegation, said the journey is not over.
“We celebrate but this is not the end. There is still a lot of work ahead of us for us to fulfil.
“Timor-Leste is ready for that,” she said when met at the International Media Centre here yesterday.
A teary and emotional Francisca said it was even more meaningful to see the country’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and President Francisco Xavier do Amaral on the stage.
“They were our founding fathers, who fought for the country’s independence and to be a part of Asean.
“To see them making it happen is an extremely emotional moment and reflects our resilience,” she said.
History was made yesterday as Timor Leste was 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.
Journalist Remizia Boavida said it was an extremely proud moment for the country to finally become an Asean member.
“We have been working towards this for a very long time and finally we are part of it.
“It’s such an emotional moment. Thank you Malaysia and thank you Asean,” said a tearful Remizia.
Domingos Tilman, who is media advisor to the Timor-Leste president, said the country has been working extremely hard to achieve this.
“Now, it is a reality. It’s such a proud and emotional moment for us all,” he said.
Antonio Guterres, who is attached with the Timor Leste Foreign Ministry, said being a full member of Asean was an extremely proud moment.
“We have been working hard and submitting the various necessary documents. We are just so happy that Asean has agreed to accept us as a member.
“The tears couldn’t stop flowing. Our dream has finally become a reality,” he said.
