Asean foreign ministers laud Timor-Leste's progress towards full membership

LANGKAWI: Asean foreign ministers have lauded Timor-Leste's progress in implementing the roadmap towards the country's full membership in the regional bloc.

Welcoming this progress, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the ministers had expressed their commitment to facilitating Timor-Leste's accession as the 11th member of Asean.

"On Timor-Leste's full membership in Asean, this morning Asean ministers welcomed Timor-Leste's progress in implementing the roadmap for its full membership.

"They also expressed commitment to facilitate Timor-Leste's accession to Asean.

"Many highlighted the need to support Timor-Leste's efforts through capacity building and specific technical support programmes," he said in a press conference after the conclusion of the retreat, the first ministerial-level meeting under Malaysia's Asean chairmanship, today.

Earlier, in his opening speech at the retreat, Mohamad called on Asean member nations to demonstrate inclusivity by fully supporting Timor-Leste's bid for full accession to the regional grouping.

Last month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia's unwavering support for Timor-Leste's inclusion, aligning it with the vision of fostering greater unity and sustainability across the region.

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