Timor-Leste media relations officer Augusto Sarmento said despite doubts expressed during the 46th ASEAN Summit, last May, about his country’s prospects for membership, the long-held dream of the Timor-Leste people has finally come true.

“I am deeply moved, as we are now officially a member of ASEAN and part of the larger ASEAN family. Most importantly, ASEAN has a clear economic vision, which is vital, not only for the people of Timor-Leste but also for the region,” he told Bernama when met here, today.

He added that Timor-Leste’s participation is expected to bring economic benefits, not only to its people, but also to the broader ASEAN community.

Meanwhile, Antonio Guterres, a photographer with Timor-Leste’s Foreign Ministry, said that he was overwhelmed with happiness after ASEAN leaders officially welcomed his country as the bloc’s 11th member state.

“For 14 years, since we submitted our application in 2011 in Jakarta, when Indonesia was the ASEAN chair, we have waited with great anticipation for this moment to arrive,” he said.

“For 13 years, the Timor-Leste government has done its utmost to become an official member of ASEAN, as we are truly part of the Asian continent. This achievement further strengthens the ASEAN family in our region,” he said.

He described the official announcement of Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN as an emotional and unforgettable moment for the delegation.

“When the announcement was made, we were so moved that many of us were in tears. It was the moment we had long awaited, and it finally happened here. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all ASEAN member states for welcoming Timor-Leste,” he said.

Antonio said Timor-Leste’s priority now is to focus on the country’s development, and improving the well-being of its people.

Meanwhile, Timor Post journalist Isabel Ermelita described her country’s admission as ASEAN’s 11th member state as a historic milestone, which will bring significant progress and positive change to Timor-Leste.

“As a Timor-Leste citizen, I am very happy and proud. This has not been an easy journey since 2011, but now, in 2025, Timor-Leste has finally become the 11th member state of ASEAN. At last, we are officially part of the ASEAN family,” she said.

Isabel added that the country’s membership is expected to spur positive changes in its economy, social development, and overall progress.

Timor-Leste was officially admitted as ASEAN’s 11th member state today, marking a significant milestone for the young nation and the regional bloc.

The accession, the grouping’s first expansion in 26 years, was formalised through the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN, during the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here.

The signatories were Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim; Thai Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul; Singapore Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong; Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Manet; Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone; Vietnam Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh; Indonesian President, Prabowo Subianto; Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr; the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah; and Myanmar’s Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary, U Hau Khan Sum.

Timor-Leste was represented by Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.

-- BERNAMA