"The government is targeting next year. So now, we are coordinating between economic, socio-cultural, and defense ministries, communicating to accelerate Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN," Pereira said after meeting some Indonesian businesspeople during his visit to Jakarta.
Pereira appreciated ASEAN member countries' support of Timor-Leste's membership in ASEAN. Therefore, coordination was carried out by Timor-Leste government officials down to the lowest level, to ensure that the target, set up by the country's president, Ramos Horta, could be achieved.
"We are grateful that all ASEAN members fully support Timor-Leste to become part of regional economic integration in ASEAN. So at the technical meeting level, then at the political level, we participate actively. We are also supported by President Ramos Horta, who targets that in 2025 Timor Leste must become a full member of ASEAN during the Malaysian presidency," he continued.
The ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh in November 2022 approved Timor-Leste's accession as the 11th member of ASEAN. In February 2023, the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) attended by ASEAN foreign affairs ministers adopted a guideline for implementing observer status granted to Timor-Leste. Since then, Timor-Leste has always been present in ASEAN activities with observer status.
Timor-Leste will fully become a member of ASEAN after meeting several criteria. Some include adjusting their national law related to ASEAN agreements and documents and establishing the country's diplomatic mission to ASEAN. (VOI/Andy Romdoni)
