Dili, 29 May 2025 (Média Democracia) – A statement from the President of the Republic, both as a personal reflection and an expression of gratitude and encouragement, highlighted Timor-Leste’s progress in the process of accession to ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
In a statement given by President of the Republic José Ramos-Horta during a press briefing with journalists at the Presidential Palace, Nicolau Lobato, Bairo-Pite (27/05/2025), he said that Timor-Leste’s interest in joining ASEAN dates back to 1974, when he was 25 years old and met with Adam Malik, a senior diplomat and then Foreign Minister of Indonesia. This shows that the idea of regional integration already existed long before Timor-Leste achieved independence in May 20, 2002.
“The letter written by Adam Malik at the time, addressed to José Ramos-Horta who was then a key figure in the Timorese independence movement and later became President of Timor-Leste provides an important historical perspective on Indonesia’s early diplomatic stance before the Indonesian invasion of Timor-Leste in December 1975,” said President José Ramos-Horta.
Later, in 2011, when Ramos-Horta assumed office as President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (RDTL), he officially sent a letter expressing the country’s intention to join ASEAN. However, he admitted that at that time, many Timorese did not fully understand or agree with the idea, and not many ASEAN member states were immediately supportive of the move.
“In the same year, Ramos-Horta gave special recognition to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY, 2004–2014), who provided support for Timor-Leste’s accession efforts. Indonesia, as the largest neighboring country, played an important role in this process. The President extended his deep appreciation and gratitude to ASEAN leaders and officials, both current and former,” he added.
He also expressed thanks to all past and present Timorese leaders, including Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, who has actively pushed for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN in recent years.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Media Officer PR