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DILI (TOP) - President and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta, hosted an informal Cocktail for ASEAN Ambassadors to commemorate the landmark decision admitting Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
During the ceremony, President Ramos-Horta bestowed the prestigious Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste upon Mr. Wan Hadfi Lutfan bin Haji Abdul Latif, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to Timor-Leste. The Ceremony was held at the ASEAN Hall, Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
The celebration follows the momentous ASEAN Chair's Statement issued at the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 26-27, 2025, which officially announced ASEAN Leaders' collective decision to admit Timor-Leste as the organization's 11th Member State. Full membership will be formalized at the 47th ASEAN Summit scheduled for October 2025.
This achievement represents the culmination of over five decades of diplomatic engagement, beginning with President Ramos-Horta's initial discussions with Indonesian Foreign Minister Adam Malik in Jakarta in 1974, and formalized through Timor-Leste's letter of intention to join ASEAN in 2011.
"This admission represents the fulfillment of a dream that began over 50 years ago and reflects the unwavering dedication of Timorese leaders, past and present, who believed in ASEAN's vision," stated President Ramos-Horta. "Today, we celebrate not just our admission, but our commitment to work even harder as we prepare to contribute to the ASEAN Community's shared prosperity and regional stability."
President Ramos-Horta bestowed the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste upon Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to Timor-Leste, Mr. Wan Hadfi Lutfan bin Haji Abdul Latif, in recognition of his exceptional diplomatic service since presenting his credentials on July 15, 2022.
Under Ambassador Wan Hadfi's tenure, bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam have achieved unprecedented progress through reciprocal state visits between His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei and President Ramos-Horta, strategic ministerial exchanges, and the signing of crucial agreements covering air services, worker recruitment, and visa exemptions.
Notable achievements during his tenure include enhanced cooperation in higher education through SEAMEO VOCTECH's TVET policy revision project, healthcare collaboration resulting in provisional accreditation for Dili Medical Center, expanded private sector partnerships led by companies such as Daikyo Industrial Gas, and Timor-Leste's inaugural participation in the BIMP-EAGA Business Council.
"Ambassador Wan Hadfi Lutfan has exemplified the finest traditions of diplomacy through his dedicated service to strengthening the bonds between Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam," President Ramos-Horta stated. "His efforts over the past two years have created foundations for cooperation that will benefit both our peoples for generations to come."
President Ramos-Horta expressed profound gratitude to all ASEAN Member States for their solidarity and unwavering support throughout Timor-Leste's membership journey, as well as to development partners for their continued commitment.
Timor-Leste now stands ready to assume its full responsibilities as an ASEAN member and contribute meaningfully to building a united, peaceful, and resilient ASEAN Community.
