Bangkok: Thailand has praised Malaysia for its leadership as ASEAN Chair this year, highlighting its effective role in facilitating Timor-Leste’s anticipated accession in October, marking a significant expansion of the regional bloc for the first time in decades. Thailand’s Department of Information Director-General and Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, emphasized that Timor-Leste is set to become the 11th member of ASEAN during the 47th ASEAN Summit, scheduled to be held in October.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nikorndej expressed admiration for Malaysia’s efforts, stating, “Malaysia has worked hard and done a great job. We commend them. This is a milestone. It will be the first time in a very long while that another country is admitted to the ASEAN family.”
ASEAN, established in 1967 by Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok, has seen its membership expand over the years. Brunei joined in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999.
Timor-Leste, the youngest nation in Southeast Asia, is now on the verge of full membership in the regional bloc. Its inclusion is anticipated to bolster ASEAN’s strategic position and affirm its relevance as a major player on the global stage. Timor-Leste formally applied for ASEAN membership in 2011, nine years after its independence on May 20, 2002. In November 2022, ASEAN agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as its 11th member and granted it ‘observer’ status, allowing participation in ASEAN meetings and summit plenary sessions.
With a population of about 1.3 million, Timor-Leste relies heavily on oil and gas exports, though agriculture and services are increasingly contributing to its national revenue. Nikorndej also commended Malaysia’s leadership as this year’s ASEAN Chair, appreciating its commitment and initiative.
He mentioned, “We really do commend Malaysia on its initiative. Genuinely, pushing the concept of inclusivity and sustainability is very much aligned with Thailand’s agenda. We (Thailand) have been a long-time champion of sustainability and inclusivity.”
Nikorndej also praised Malaysia for its role in establishing the ASEAN Geoeconomic Task Force, tasked with conducting a study and providing strategic recommendations to address economic uncertainties. “I’ve heard the recommendations, and I believe they are very productive,” he added. The task force was established during the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat in Desaru, Johor, in February, aiming to address immediate regional challenges and develop a coordinated response to the evolving global geoeconomic landscape.