By Danni Haizal Danial Donald
KOTA TINGGI, Feb 28 (Bernama) -- Timor-Leste is confident that it has made significant progress and is on the right track to fulfil the roadmap outlined for its full membership in ASEAN.
According to the Asia-Pacific current affairs portal, The Diplomat, the roadmap outlines several criteria that Timor-Leste must meet, including preparing a financial scheme to meet all financial obligations, ensuring the necessary physical infrastructure and logistical readiness to host ASEAN meetings, and accommodating delegates during a rotating chairmanship.
Additionally, Timor-Leste must designate national implementing agencies, focal points, and representatives for ASEAN sectoral meetings and working groups, including ensuring the availability of sufficient English-speaking personnel in all relevant ministries and agencies.
Timor-Leste Tourism, Trade and Industry Minister Filipus Nino Pereira affirmed the country’s committment to fulfilling all the requirements of the roadmap.
"I can confirm that we have made significant progress and are on the right track to fulfilling the roadmap.
"We also actively participate in ASEAN meetings, and will continue to work closely with ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat to ensure a smooth and timely transition to full membership," he told Bernama on the sidelines of the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers' (AEM) Retreat in Desaru today.
Recently, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Timor-Leste is expected to join ASEAN as a full member at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October, while Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said in his welcoming speech yesterday that Malaysia, as ASEAN chair in 2025, is strongly advocating for the accession of Timor-Leste into the bloc.
"Timor-Leste appreciates Malaysia’s strong support for our full ASEAN membership this year," said Pereira.
On Malaysia's US$200,000 (US$1=RM4.453) contribution to the Timor-Leste Unit to assist and facilitate the implementation of the Timor-Leste Full Membership Roadmap to ASEAN, Pereira said the generous contribution would play a crucial role in strengthening Timor-Leste’s institutional capacity and readiness for full ASEAN integration.
"The contribution from Malaysia will enable the establishment and functioning of a Dedicated Unit for Timor-Leste within the ASEAN Secretariat.
"This will assist the country in fulfilling the roadmap for our full membership and mobilise technical, as well as resource support for capacity building and additional assistance required by Timor-Leste for our integration into ASEAN," he said.
Commenting on the country's first opportunity to participate directly in the 31st AEM discussions, whereas previously it was only invited to deliver remarks, Pereira said Timor-Leste highly values this new modality of its participation in ASEAN meetings, which marks a significant step forward in its integration process.
"Direct participation in the discussions of agenda items allows us to engage more substantively, share our views and perspectives on the matters discussed and, therefore, contributing meaningfully to regional economic cooperation," he said.
He added that Timor-Leste's participation underscores the confidence that ASEAN member countries' have in the country's readiness and commitment to fulfilling its future obligations as a full member.
The 31st AEM Retreat, chaired by Tengku Zafrul, is held in Desaru today, with related meetings taking place from Feb 22 to 27.
The retreat is in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, which is themed "Inclusivity and Sustainability", to reflect Malaysia's aspirations in strengthening an inclusive and sustainable ASEAN community.
Among the main agendas for Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship are to increase intra-ASEAN trade and investment and spearhead efforts to explore and expand economic cooperation and partnerships outside the ASEAN region.
-- BERNAMA
