TIMOR-LESTE HOPES TO EXPAND TRADE, ECONOMY THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN 26TH AECC MEETING

By Danni Haizal Danial Donald

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Timor-Leste is seeking to expand the country’s trade and economy through its participation in the 26th ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Meeting today, said Deputy Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay.

He expressed hope that Timor-Leste would gain more opportunities to trade with ASEAN member states in the future.

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 “The AECC meeting offers Timor-Leste a better prospect in creating more avenues for economic opportunities and to learn from the greater ASEAN family,” he told reporters after attending the 26th AECC Meeting held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here today.

The meeting was chaired by Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

During the meeting, the AECC welcomed the participation of Timor-Leste today.

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Timor-Leste was invited to take part in today’s discussions under the revised guidelines adopted by the 35th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting.

Meanwhile, Kalbuadi Lay also expressed his appreciation for Malaysia’s assistance -- particularly that of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim -- in supporting Timor-Leste’s bid for full ASEAN membership.

“For us, the assistance from Malaysia is truly remarkable.

“There are two more days to go before Timor-Leste officially becomes part of ASEAN. We will continue to work hard, especially in strengthening democracy and preserving peace in the ASEAN region,” he said.

The 47th ASEAN Summit will witness the formal admission of Timor-Leste as the bloc’s 11th member.

This summit is set to be one of the largest gatherings in the bloc’s history, serving as an important platform to strengthen cooperation as well as address regional and global challenges in a comprehensive and inclusive manner.

This year marks the fifth time Malaysia has assumed the ASEAN chairmanship since the bloc’s establishment in 1967. Its previous terms were in 2015, 2005, 1997, and 1977.

-- BERNAMA