Jakarta，February 14 (AseanAll) — Indonesia, as the chair of ASEAN in 2024, is preparing a road map to support the full membership of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste in the regional association.
Photo source: Indonesian Presidential Palace
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) made the announcement in a joint statement issued with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java province, on February 13.
Photo source: Indonesian Presidential Palace
"As the result of the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh, In principle, Timor Leste has been accepted as a member of ASEAN. A road map for full membership is being readied, led by Indonesia as the current chair of ASEAN," Widodo informed.
He said that he was pleased with the acceptance of Timor Leste as a member of ASEAN, in accordance with the results of the ASEAN Summit 2022 in Cambodia.
Photo source: Indonesian Presidential Palace
On the same occasion, Timor Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak thanked Jokowi for accepting Timor-Leste in principle as an ASEAN member.
"I would also like to thank the fact that Timor-Leste has become a member of the observer in ASEAN, as well as for support and assistance from the president's excellency for continuing to provide needed assistance because Timor-Leste has supplied our roadmap to prepare us for better access to ASEAN," said Taur Ruak.
Earlier, Foreign Affairs Minister of Timor Leste, Adaljiza Albertina Xavier Reis Magno, had joined the 32nd ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) meeting in Jakarta on February 3, 2023, as an observer.
Taur Ruak's visit on Monday was his third official visit to Indonesia. He had earlier visited Indonesia as the president of Timor Leste in 2014 and 2015.
Photo source: Indonesian Presidential Palace
During the latest bilateral meeting, four memorandum of understanding (MoUs) in the economy, education, and industry sectors were inked by the two countries.
Photo source: Indonesian Presidential Palace
