Timor-Leste Makes Substantial Progress In First Year Of ASEAN Membership – Lazaro

From Linda Khoo and Nabilah Saleh

MANILA, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Timor-Leste has made substantial progress in its first year as an ASEAN member by acceding to legal instruments across all three pillars of the ASEAN Community, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro said.

She said the accessions demonstrated progress in implementing the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN, which requires the country to implement and abide by the bloc’s treaties, conventions and agreements.

“We remain committed to supporting Timor-Leste’s full integration and active participation in all ASEAN meetings and mechanisms,” she told Bernama in a written interview.

Lazaro said the support would include practical assistance tailored to Timor-Leste’s needs as it implements its remaining commitments under the roadmap.

She encouraged ASEAN member states and external partners to help the country build the capacity it needs to fulfil its membership obligations and participate fully in the bloc’s work.

Lazaro said the Cebu Protocol formally reflected Timor-Leste’s admission and marked the first amendment to the ASEAN Charter since 2007.

“This is an important milestone for ASEAN’s continuing evolution as a stronger and more inclusive regional community,” she said.

ASEAN member states are currently undertaking their respective domestic procedures to ratify the protocol.

The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, scheduled for Nov 15 to 17 at the Philippine International Convention Center, are expected to feature the unveiling of the updated ASEAN emblem and the ceremonial raising of the bloc’s updated flag.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will lead Malaysia’s delegation to the meetings.

-- BERNAMA