East Timor Joins ASEAN as 11th Member: A Historic Milestone for Asia's Youngest Nation

East Timor has officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its 11th member after a prolonged 14-year application process.

On Sunday, Asia's youngest nation East Timor achieved a significant diplomatic milestone by becoming the newest member of the ASEAN bloc, realizing a vision articulated by its current president nearly half a century ago during Portuguese colonial rule.

Also referred to as Timor-Leste, this nation of 1.4 million inhabitants ranks among Asia's economically challenged countries. Its leadership hopes membership will benefit its developing economy, which at approximately $2 billion represents just a fraction of ASEAN's collective $3.8 trillion gross domestic product.

The formal accession follows a 14-year application period. While East Timor's membership may not dramatically transform the regional organization, it represents a symbolic triumph for President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, both instrumental figures in the country's independence struggle.

The membership was officially confirmed by ASEAN leaders at their annual summit in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, marked by applause as East Timor's flag was ceremonially placed on stage alongside other member nations.

Prime Minister Gusmao, visibly moved during the ceremony, described it as a historic moment opening "immense opportunities" for trade and investment.

"For the people of Timor-Leste, this is not only a dream realized, but a powerful affirmation of our journey," Gusmao stated in his address. "Our accession is a testament to the spirit of our people, a young democracy, born from our struggle," adding that "This is not the end of a journey."

East Timor's path to independence was arduous, beginning with three centuries of Portuguese colonization. Portugal's abrupt withdrawal in 1975 led to annexation and a turbulent occupation by neighboring Indonesia before the country finally achieved full independence in 2002.

President Ramos-Horta, 75, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate from 1996, had advocated for East Timor's inclusion in ASEAN since the 1970s, viewing regional integration as vital for his country's security and prosperity.

In a September interview with CNA, Ramos-Horta emphasized that East Timor must maintain stability without becoming a burden to ASEAN. He suggested his country could contribute valuable insights from its conflict experiences, particularly regarding border disputes and South China Sea tensions.

"If we can in the future contribute towards strengthening ASEAN mechanisms such as conflict mechanisms, that is key, in each country in ASEAN, we put emphasis on dialogue," Ramos-Horta stated.