Dili, May 29, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The President of the Republic hosted an informal cocktail reception for ASEAN Ambassadors to celebrate the historic decision on Timor-Leste’s admission as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). During the ceremony, President of the Republic awarded the prestigious Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste to H.E. Wan Hadfi Lutfan Bin Haji Abdul Latif, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to Timor-Leste. The event took place in the ASEAN Hall at the Presidential Palace, Nicolau Lobato.
This celebration followed the important declaration from the ASEAN Chair issued at the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 26–27 May 2025, which officially announced the collective decision of ASEAN leaders to admit Timor-Leste as the organization’s 11th member state. Full accession will be formalized at the 47th ASEAN Summit, scheduled for October 2025.
The President stated that this achievement marks the culmination of more than five decades of diplomatic engagement, starting with his initial discussions with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Adam Malik, in Jakarta in 1974, and formalized through Timor-Leste’s letter of intent to join ASEAN in 2011.
“This admission represents the realization of a dream that began more than 50 years ago and reflects the unwavering dedication of Timorese leaders, past and present, who believed in the ASEAN vision. Today, we celebrate not only our admission but also our commitment to work even harder as we prepare to contribute to ASEAN’s shared prosperity and regional stability,” said President José Ramos-Horta.
President Ramos-Horta expressed deep gratitude to all ASEAN member states for their solidarity and strong support throughout Timor-Leste’s accession journey, as well as to development partners for their continued commitment.
President Ramos-Horta awarded the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste to H.E. Ambassador Wan Hadfi Lutfan Bin Haji Abdul Latif as recognition for his exceptional diplomatic service since presenting his credentials on 15 July 2020.
“During Ambassador Wan Hadfi’s mandate, bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam made significant progress through reciprocal state visits by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei and President Ramos-Horta, strategic ministerial exchanges, and the signing of key agreements covering air services, labor recruitment, and visa exemption,” stated President Ramos-Horta.
Notable achievements during his mandate include strengthened cooperation in higher education through the TVET policy review project with SEAMEO VOCTECH, health collaboration resulting in provisional accreditation of the Dili Medical Center, enhanced private sector engagement led by companies such as Daikyo Industrial Gas, and Timor-Leste’s inaugural participation in the BIMP-EAGA Business Council.
“Ambassador Wan Hadfi Lutfan exemplifies the best tradition of diplomacy through his dedicated service in strengthening the ties between Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam. His efforts over the past two years have laid the foundation for cooperation that will benefit both our peoples for generations to come,” affirmed President Ramos-Horta.
Timor-Leste is now ready to assume its full responsibilities as an ASEAN member and to contribute meaningfully to building a united, peaceful, and resilient ASEAN Community.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Media Officer PR