History unfolded today as Timor-Leste was officially welcomed as the 11th member of ASEAN, a moment marking the culmination of 13 years of dedication, diplomacy, and determination. The signing of the admission declaration at the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits sealed the country’s long journey from aspiration to achievement.
According to The Star, the atmosphere inside the International Media Centre was nothing short of electric — a mix of tears, applause, and heartfelt pride. The Timor-Leste delegation, overwhelmed with emotion, watched as their nation finally joined the regional family it had long aspired to be part of.
For Francisca Maia, a member of the delegation, the event was not an end but a new beginning. Fighting back tears, she spoke with deep emotion as Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and President José Ramos-Horta took the stage — both men revered as founding figures who once led their country to independence.
“We celebrate this moment, but our work is far from done. There’s still much ahead for us to accomplish, and Timor-Leste is prepared for it,” Francisca said. “They were our founding fathers who fought for our independence and to be part of ASEAN. To see them making it happen today is an emotional moment that reflects our resilience and our readiness for the road ahead.”
Remizia Boavida, a journalist who covered the event, described the occasion as one of profound pride and gratitude.
“We’ve worked toward this for so long, and finally we are part of ASEAN. It’s such an emotional moment — thank you, Malaysia, and thank you, ASEAN,” she said tearfully.
Echoing her sentiments, Domingos Tilman, media adviser to the Timor-Leste president, said the nation’s success was built on patience, persistence, and unwavering belief in their place in the ASEAN family.
Presiding over the ceremony, ASEAN Chair Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim commended the milestone as a testament to regional unity and the spirit of Southeast Asia. Timor-Leste’s inclusion symbolizes not only its own progress but also ASEAN’s collective journey toward deeper cooperation and community integration.
And as the cheers subsided, one truth became clear — this was more than just a political event. It was a victory of hope, resilience, and belief in a shared future. For the people of Timor-Leste, it wasn’t just history being made — it was a dream finally fulfilled.
