Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Timor-Leste (East Timor) was officially proclaimed as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the 47th ASEAN Summit held on the morning of October 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Prior to the public announcement, the leaders of all ten ASEAN member states, along with the representative of Timor-Leste, signed the official document of recognition, formally admitting Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc.
Note on Current Membership: ASEAN is a regional organization comprising ten Southeast Asian nations: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. Cambodia was the last country to join the bloc on April 30, 1999.
The Role of a Cambodian Statesman: The long-standing effort to recognize Timor-Leste as a full member has highlighted the significant role played by Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the former Prime Minister and current President of the Senate of Cambodia. Samdech Techo’s persistent efforts, long-term political vision, and resolute diplomatic commitment were crucial factors that actively contributed to helping Timor-Leste realize its long-cherished ambition of becoming the 11th ASEAN member state.
