Timor Leste Will Officially Becomes an ASEAN Member in September 2023

VIVA – Timor Leste will officially becomes the 11^th member of ASEAN. The ratification will take place in September 2023 in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), according to Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor, Dody Budi Waluyo.

“Delegation from will be present at the Finance Track meeting of ASEAN countries March 28-31, 2023 in Bali, and will be the participants of this week's meeting. This is a fact and a challenge to achieve the ASEAN Economic Community 2023.” Waluyo said in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Monday.

As previously reported, Indonesia as the 2023 ASEAN Chair is preparing a roadmap for the full membership of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"Timor Leste has been accepted in principle as a member of ASEAN. The roadmap for full membership is being prepared led by Indonesia as the current ASEAN Chair," The Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) made the statement while receiving an official visit from Democratic Republic of Timor Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, on Monday.

In addition to discussing bilateral issues, President Jokowi mentioned Timor Leste's membership as the 11^th member of ASEAN. He also expressed his joy because Timor Leste has been accepted as a member of ASEAN in principle following the results of the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia.

As known, ASEAN which previously only consists of 10 member countries, has now become 11 member countries. The 11 ASEAN countries are currently Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Timor Leste.