Archive · 25 May 2025
East Timor May Join ASEAN by October, Says Malaysian Minister
East Timor is hoping to join ASEAN, a group of Southeast Asian countries, and might become a member by October.
Malaysia, which is currently leading ASEAN, says East Timor has made good progress.
East Timor, a young and not very rich country, applied to join in 2011.
ASEAN is discussing it now, and the next meeting in October could make it official.
East Timor faces challenges such as poverty and needing to develop infrastructure to participate fully.
East Timor could become ASEAN's 11th member by October, according to Malaysia's foreign minister.
East Timor has made significant progress in meeting membership requirements.
ASEAN foreign ministers support East Timor's full membership.
Full membership could be granted at the October regional meeting.
East Timor has been an observer since 2022 and applied in 2011.
- Who
- East Timor and ASEAN member states.
- What
- East Timor's application to join ASEAN.
- When
- Potentially by October, at the next ASEAN regional meeting.
- Where
- Southeast Asia; discussed at ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur.
- Why
- To become a full member of ASEAN.
Economic Concerns
Supportive View
Economic participation
Economic Concerns
Concerns remain about whether East Timor could participate meaningfully in ASEAN's development agenda, due to high levels of inequality, malnourishment and unemployment and remains heavily reliant on oil, with little diversification into other sectors.
Supportive View
ASEAN's foreign ministers voiced "strong support for Timor-Leste's full membership in ASEAN, particularly in its efforts to fulfil the remaining criteria."
- Applicant
- East Timor
- Potential Joining Date
- October
- Current Status
- Observer
- ASEAN Chair
- Malaysia
- Population
- Around 1.3 million
- Independence Year
- 2002
