Kuala Lumpur: As the ASEAN Summit set to begin next Monday, Timor-Leste has expressed its appreciation for the opportunity to learn and deepen its integration into the regional bloc, describing the upcoming summit as a vital platform to deepen its understanding of ASEAN processes and fulfil its ASEAN membership roadmap.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs and ASEAN Senior Official of Timor-Leste, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, said that their participation in this week’s ASEAN-related meetings, including the Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM), ASEAN Coordinating Council (AECC), and the ASEAN Summit, offers a vital learning platform for the country.
‘The more we’re getting to participate in ASEAN meetings, the more we’re starting to understand the processes of ASEAN,” Rangel stated. She emphasized that readiness in hosting future ASEAN meetings is a critical criterion in the roadmap to full membership.
Since being granted observer status in 2022 and receiving in-principle approval as ASEAN’s 11th member, Timor-Leste has been actively implementing the roadmap. Rangel expressed confidence in meeting the criteria under the roadmap and highlighted the significance of updating ASEAN on their progress during the SOM.
Timor-Leste has sought to join ASEAN since 2011, with the association assisting the country in meeting membership requirements. The roadmap outlines three working plans on politics and security, economy, and social and cultural ties that Timor-Leste must implement before achieving full ASEAN membership.
Meanwhile, Oman’s senior official Sheikh Ahmed Hashel Al Maksari commented on Oman’s participation in the second ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Kuala Lumpur. He expressed optimism about exploring cooperation opportunities and enhancing relations between the two blocs.
Sheikh Ahmed cited the positive relationship between Oman and ASEAN, emphasizing collaboration across various sectors. He also noted that Oman has excellent relations with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries.
Milena and Sheikh Ahmed Hashel were among the earliest senior officials to arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to attend the ASEAN Summit. The summit, along with the second ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on May 26 and 27.
With the theme Inclusivity and Sustainability, this summit marks Malaysia’s fifth time chairing ASEAN, following previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.