Anwar, Gusmao discuss Timor-Leste’s Asean application

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Timor-Leste counterpart Xanana Gusmao had a 15-minute discussion on the matter while attending the 44th and 45th Asean Summits. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim discussed Timor-Leste’s application for full membership in Asean with his Timor-Leste counterpart Xanana Gusmao during a bilateral meeting at the Asean Summit today.

The two leaders engaged in a 15-minute discussion while attending the 44th and 45th Asean Summits at the National Convention Centre (NCC) in Vientiane, Laos.

This brief yet meaningful encounter provided a platform to further strengthen bilateral ties between our two nations and to exchange views on various matters, including Timor-Leste’s bid for full Asean membership,

 said Anwar in a Facebook post.

“Malaysia stands ready to support Timor-Leste’s application, particularly during Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship next year.

I also extended an invitation to prime minister Gusmao for an official visit to Malaysia in the near future.

Timor-Leste is currently waiting for a consensus from Asean member states to be accepted as a full member of the regional bloc.

Timor-Leste was recognised as an Asean observer state and joined the Asean Regional Forum in 2005 before officially applying for membership on March 4, 2011.

In 2022, Asean leaders gathered at the 40th and 41st Asean Summits and Related Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and agreed in principle for Timor-Leste to become the bloc’s 11th member.

Timor-Leste has also been granted observer status to participate in all Asean meetings, including plenary sessions. - FMT