DILI, East Timor, Sept 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - East Timor is slated to become 
the 11th member of the ASEAN regional bloc in October, Malaysian Prime 
Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Tuesday during a visit to the Southeast Asian 
nation.

The accession will be formalised at a gathering of world leaders in Kuala 
Lumpur, confirmed Anwar, whose country currently chairs the Association of 
South East Asian Nations.

East Timor is the youngest country in the region, having gained independence 
from Indonesia in 2002 after 24 years of occupation.

"The accession of Timor-Leste to ASEAN will be of immense benefit to us all," 
Anwar told a press conference after a meeting with East Timor's president, 
Ramos-Horta, in the country's capital, Dili.

"We will certainly have a big celebration for your accession to ASEAN in 
October 2025," he said.

Anwar said the two leaders also discussed trade, investments, tourism, 
education and defence during the bilateral talks.

He is also scheduled to meet with East Timor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao 
during his visit.

President Jose Ramos-Horta has long campaigned for ASEAN membership, and an 
application was first submitted in 2011.

"Our discussions have been a warm, constructive focus on the future as we 
prepare for our historic accession to ASEAN in October in Kuala Lumpur," 
Horta said.

"We are committed to working closely with Malaysia and all ASEAN members to 
fulfil their remaining milestones on our path to full membership."

East Timor continues to grapple with high inequality, malnutrition, and 
unemployment.

Its economy remains heavily reliant on its oil reserves.

Earlier this month, thousands of protesters, led by students, rallied against 
a multi-million dollar plan to purchase Toyota Prado SUVs for each of the 
country's 65 members of parliament and lifetime pensions for former MPs.

Demonstrators and police clashed for two days in a row. Following the 
protests, the country's parliament unanimously adopted a resolution to cancel 
the new vehicle procurement. The parliament bowed to public pressure on the 
pensions matter as well.

ASEAN began as a five-member bloc in 1967 and has gradually expanded, with 
Cambodia the most recent addition in 1999.

US President Donald Trump has confirmed he will attend the ASEAN summit in 
Kuala Lumpur next month.