Dili, October 27, 2025 (Media Democracia) – President of the Republic José Ramos-Horta departed for an official visit to Kuala Lumpur to take part in the formal ceremony marking Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th Member State of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
President José Ramos-Horta stated that the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 26 to 28 October 2025, under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
“This summit will gather 30 heads of state and government, including U.S. President Donald Trump, China’s Premier Li Qiang, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On 26 October, I will stand as witness to this historic moment for our nation at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre,” said President Ramos-Horta.
The President added that the signing of the declaration on Timor-Leste’s admission into ASEAN represents the culmination of over two decades of institutional, diplomatic, and technical preparation toward full integration into the regional community.
“Our presence at this ASEAN Summit is a testament to Timor-Leste’s firm commitment to our destiny as a full member of the Southeast Asian family. We are not only strengthening our position in the region, but also building bridges with key global partners. Timor-Leste looks forward and stands ready to contribute to peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the region,” he continued.
The President announced that in 27 October, he will hold a series of strategic bilateral meetings, including discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio and his delegation. In the evening, he will attend a state dinner hosted by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, His Excellency Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Also in 27 October, the President will meet with the President of the European Council, His Excellency António Costa.
“President Ramos-Horta will conclude his official visit to Malaysia in his capacity as Honorary Adjunct Professor, delivering a keynote lecture to students of Law and Governance at Taylor’s University,” the statement said.
This visit, the Office of the President noted, reflects President Horta’s unwavering dedication to promoting Timor-Leste’s strategic interests on the world stage and to strengthening deep and lasting ties with regional and international partners.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Office of the President of the Republic