Timor-Leste PM Gusmão Concludes Malaysia Visit After Historic ASEAN Admission

SEPANG, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão departed for home today after a five-day visit to Malaysia, during which his country achieved a historic milestone by being admitted as the 11th member state of ASEAN.

He left from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 12.30 pm following a red-carpet send-off ceremony at the Bunga Raya Complex, where a guard of honour was mounted by the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil was present to bid farewell to Gusmão and his delegation.

Gusmão, who arrived in Malaysia on Oct 24, was among the earliest leaders to arrive and the last to leave - a reflection of Timor-Leste’s deep commitment and eagerness to be part of the ASEAN family.

On Sunday, Timor-Leste was officially admitted as the 11th member state of ASEAN, a momentous milestone marking the country’s long-cherished aspiration to join the regional bloc.

“For the people of Timor-Leste, this is not only a dream realised but also a powerful affirmation of our journey - one marked by resilience, determination and hope.

“For ASEAN, it represents the continuation of a vision - a truly united family of nations, bound together by shared values, common aspirations and a collective destiny,” Gusmão said recently following Timor-Leste’s admission into ASEAN.

Timor-Leste first formally applied for ASEAN membership in March 2011, nearly a decade after gaining independence in 2002.

Highlighting the opportunities ahead, Gusmão said ASEAN membership offers immense prospects in trade, investment, education and the digital economy, which will further strengthen Timor-Leste’s integration into the regional and global community.

“We are ready to learn, to innovate and to uphold good governance - strengthening our institutions as we walk together towards sustainable development,” he said.

The accession was formalised through the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste into ASEAN, witnessed by ASEAN leaders and dignitaries, including Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as ASEAN Chair.

The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, held from Oct 26 to 28, saw Malaysia hosting more than 30 world leaders from the ASEAN region and beyond, including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa  to deepen engagement and cooperation while addressing regional and global issues of mutual concern.

-- BERNAMA