Time to admit Timor-Leste into ASEAN

Timor-Leste has long waited to join ASEAN as a full member since gaining independence in 2002. It has made significant preparations for inclusion despite various conditions set by the ASEAN Secretariat over the past decade.

In 2022, ASEAN agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste in Phnom Penh as its 11th member. This cautious "yes" from ASEAN now needs to be followed by formally welcoming Timor-Leste sooner rather than later.

Timor-Leste's journey toward ASEAN membership began with its independence in 2002, when its leaders expressed a desire to join the organization. The country officially applied for membership in 2011, with all political parties in Timor-Leste supporting closer ties with ASEAN. However, Timor-Leste has one of the smallest economies in the region, with a GDP lower than that of other ASEAN members.

Some ASEAN members have urged Timor-Leste to significantly improve its overall capacity in terms of human resources and infrastructure. Before drafting and presenting the roadmap to full membership in 2023, fact-finding teams were dispatched to assess the country’s readiness to integrate with the bloc in political/security, economic, and social/cultural areas.

ASEAN has traditionally focused on technical criteria for new members. The organization previously welcomed Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, despite their differing political and economic systems. ASEAN anticipates challenges arising from this enlargement, as with prior expansions.

In retrospect, older and newer members have integrated well. While there are differences in perspective on certain issues, ASEAN members rarely break ranks to act independently, unlike other regional organizations. Consensus remains ASEAN’s modus operandi.

Today, the 10-member ASEAN plays a vital role in regional and global politics and is expected to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030.

In the current uncertain geopolitical landscape, ASEAN must adapt to new challenges. Timor-Leste's inclusion could bolster ASEAN’s unity and strengthen its diplomatic relations, as emphasized by Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas during the Langkawi retreat.

Timor-Leste still faces significant challenges before fully joining ASEAN. It must comply with 220 agreements and protocols to qualify for membership. President José Ramos-Horta acknowledged that, while progress has been made, it is unrealistic to expect Timor-Leste to match the levels of Malaysia, Singapore, or Thailand before admission.

In August 2022, Timor-Leste committed to signing 66 key economic agreements post-admission, with further implementation planned in phases. That same month, Timor-Leste joined the World Trade Organization, enhancing its economic profile.

Recently, ASEAN foreign ministers have discussed ways to expedite Timor-Leste's membership process, with hopes for a breakthrough at the 58th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in July.

Timor-Leste’s leaders have moderated their views on ASEAN-related issues during their time as observers at ASEAN meetings over the past two years. They have actively participated in summits and repeatedly expressed their readiness to join the bloc.

Timor-Leste is fully prepared for admission, having met many of the requirements and demonstrated its commitment. While challenges remain, Dili can learn from its ASEAN counterparts—this is the essence of being part of a family. Timor-Leste's inclusion would benefit both itself and ASEAN, amplifying ASEAN’s voice while fostering greater cooperation and stability in Southeast Asia.