DILI (TOP) – Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão today led the 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍, held at the Salão Nobre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC). The meeting brought together members of the Government and senior officials from various ministries to coordinate Timor Leste’s active participation as the 𝟏𝟏𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍, following its formal accession on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The meeting updated progress undertaken following Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership, including the submission of Instruments of Accession to ASEAN legal instruments, and measures to be undertaken related to the completion of domestic legal procedures for the remaining ASEAN Legal Instruments.
The Members of the Government also discussed integration into ASEAN structures, emphasizing the importance of designated focal points, capacity building, human resource reinforcement, and the creation of ASEAN Units or Coordinators across all ministries. These measures aim to ensure effective coordination, representation, and safeguarding of Timor-Leste’s interests in all ASEAN activitie.
The meeting also covered preparations for Timor-Leste’s potential future leadership roles in ASEAN, logistical and financial arrangements for participation in meetings, and updates on traditional delicacies.
This Inter-ministerial Coordination Meeting reaffirms the Government’s commitment to be an active, reliable, and forward-looking member of ASEAN. As the newest member state, Timor Leste is prepared to implement its obligations and to contributing meaningfully to ASEAN’s shared goals of stability, prosperity, and regional integration.
