Australia warmly congratulates Timor-Leste on its accession as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked the occasion with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and ASEAN leaders at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
This is an important milestone for ASEAN and a significant step for Timor-Leste’s regional integration and economic development. It is a credit to both ASEAN’s and Timor Leste’s sustained efforts over many years.
We acknowledge the leadership of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in achieving what he has described as a 'historic goal' for the nation and people of Timor-Leste.
Australia is proud to have supported Timor-Leste’s ASEAN journey from the beginning, including through our $11.8 million technical assistance and capacity building package.
Australia is ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner, and we strongly support ASEAN’s role in shaping a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
ASEAN is central to regional stability; it guards against conflict, drives regional economic growth, and reinforces the rules and norms that protect us all.
As a close friend, partner and neighbour, we look forward to continuing to work closely with Timor-Leste and ASEAN to ensure membership delivers real benefits for the Timorese people and our shared region.