Timor-Leste is ready to join ASEAN

File photo: Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão//AFP

Timor-Leste has submitted a self-assessment report stating its readiness to join ASEAN, particularly its ability to comply with various economic agreements, according to informed sources.

The sources said that Dili submitted a diplomatic note at the end of August, indicating its readiness to accede to the ASEAN Economic Agreements (AEAS) as part of the roadmap for Timor-Leste to become a full member of ASEAN.

At the Phnom Penh summit in 2022, ASEAN leaders agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste, or East Timor, as the 11th member of ASEAN. As a result, observer status was granted to the country, allowing its representatives to attend all ASEAN meetings, including summit plenaries.

ASEAN set up a working group in 2011 to discuss all relevant aspects related to Timor-Leste’s application and its possible implications for ASEAN.

Over the years, the three ASEAN community pillars conducted various fact-finding missions.

The working group is expected to make recommendations to ASEAN leaders soon on whether Dili can meet the requirements outlined in the ASEAN Charter.

The Charter’s Article 6 states that the ASEAN Summit will decide on new membership based on the recommendation of the ASEAN Coordinating Council, which comprises officials from cross-sectoral bodies.

Timor-Leste must accede to 220 ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) agreements before admission. The first 66 agreements must be acceded upon joining ASEAN. The second stage involves signing 48 agreements within two years.

The remaining agreements must be completed within five years, according to informed sources. After more than a decade of waiting, it is time for Timor-Leste to join the ASEAN family.

Following its independence in 2001, Dili expressed a strong interest in joining ASEAN.

Initially, some ASEAN members strongly opposed Timor-Leste’s accession. However, after various capacity-building efforts have been conducted, there has been increased support for Timor-Leste’s membership.

At the next week's ASEAN-related summits, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão will lead Timor-Leste’s delegation to Vientiane, Lao PDR.