Timor-Leste Officially Becomes the 11th Member State of ASEAN

Timor-Leste Officially Becomes the 11th Member State of ASEAN

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – October 26, 2025: Timor-Leste was officially declared as the 11th member state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this morning during the 47th ASEAN Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Prior to the official announcement, the leaders of all ten ASEAN member countries — together with the representative of Timor-Leste — signed the Instrument of Admission, formally recognizing Timor-Leste as a full member of the regional organization.

It should be recalled that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization currently comprising ten member states: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Viet Nam, Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia — which became the 10th member on April 30, 1999, during the ASEAN Summit held in Viet Nam.

ASEAN has long been preparing for Timor-Leste’s full membership, marking a historic milestone for the region. Among the key figures remembered for their crucial diplomatic efforts in support of Timor-Leste’s accession is Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister and current President of the Senate of Cambodia.

Samdech Techo’s tireless commitment, long-term vision, and principled diplomatic leadership played an instrumental role in helping Timor-Leste achieve its long-cherished aspiration of becoming the 11th member state of ASEAN.