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Timor Leste deposits instrument of accession to ASEAN

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan described the moment as historic, marking the expansion of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s scope to include each and every sovereign state in the region.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan (Photo: New Straits Times)
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan (Photo: New Straits Times)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Timor-Leste officially deposited the Instruments of Accession to the ASEAN Charter and the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ), paving the way for its entry as the 11th member of the regional grouping.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan described the moment as historic, marking the expansion of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s scope to include each and every sovereign state in the region.

Mohamad said the ASEAN Charter is more than just a foundational document, adding that the Charter is the heartbeat of the regional grouping’s shared vision, a covenant of trust, respect, and solidarity that has bounded the diverse nations together, in pursuit of peace and prosperity.

By acceding to the Charter, Timor-Leste has pledged to walk hand-in-hand with ASEAN, weaving the aspirations of its people, into the fabric of the ever-evolving community, he said. Besides, the country's accession to the SEANWFZ Treaty further demonstrates its commitment to keeping Southeast Asia a sanctuary of peace, free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

He added Timor-Leste brings new energy, fresh perspectives, and a youthful population ready to contribute, adding that it would enrich ASEAN not only in terms of demography, but politically, culturally, and economically.

Timor Leste first applied for ASEAN membership in 2011, expressing its aspiration to be part of the regional community. In November 2022, ASEAN member states agreed in principle to admit Timor Leste, granting it observer status and outlining a roadmap towards full membership. The official signing ceremony of Timor Leste’s accession to ASEAN is scheduled for October 26./.

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#Timor Leste #Instruments of Accession #ASEAN Charter #Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty Timor-Leste
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