President Marcos joined nine other ASEAN leaders in signing the declaration formally admitting Timor-Leste as the bloc’s 11th member during the 47th ASEAN Summit on October 26.
Marcos called the accession a historic milestone, highlighting ASEAN’s commitment to unity, inclusivity, and regional solidarity.
Timor-Leste, which first applied for membership in 2011 and gained observer status in 2022, is expected to contribute to regional cooperation in areas like economic growth, security, and people-to-people exchanges.
Palace officials emphasized that Timor-Leste will now share the same goals and responsibilities as other ASEAN members in promoting economic and security cooperation.
The formal admission follows the successful implementation of a comprehensive roadmap covering ASEAN’s political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars, marking a significant step in the region’s integration.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 27, 2025
