(AseanAll)  — On March 11, 2025, the President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta, participated in the Question and Answer Program Broadcast Live by the Education Television of Timor-Leste (TVET), discussing the Challenges and Opportunities of Timor-Leste’s accession as a full member of ASEAN. 

The President began by congratulating the Director of TVET, Armindo, and his team for the progress achieved since his last visit, before sharing the historical context about regional integration, including his personal diplomatic experiences with Indonesian officials, such as Adam Malik, during the struggle for Timor-Leste’s independence.

During the interview, Ramos-Horta provided insights into the evolution of multilateral systems worldwide, from pre-EU arrangements to the development of regional blocs like the African Union and ASEAN. He elaborated on the benefits Timor-Leste will gain from ASEAN membership and how this integration strengthens the country’s position on the international stage, particularly regarding economic opportunities within the broader ASEAN market.

The President of the Republic also addressed challenges that Timor-Leste must overcome to fully integrate into ASEAN’s economic environment, emphasizing the need for all national entities, especially the government, to create an enabling environment for development and cooperation. He concluded by expressing hope that future Timorese leaders would avoid radicalism, maintaining the trust of international partners and neighboring countries that has been essential to Timor-Leste’s progress.