TIMOR LESTE'S ENTRY INTO ASEAN AMONG MALAYSIA'S KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AS CHAIR

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- The Declaration on the Accession of Timor-Leste to ASEAN, signed during the official opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits today, stands as one of Malaysia’s major achievements during its current chairmanship.

In the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Daily Briefing, the Prime Minister’s Senior Press Secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, said the declaration signed by ASEAN leaders today formally recognised Timor-Leste as the bloc’s 11th member state, thereby completing the region’s integration as a united community.

“The inclusion of Timor-Leste will also bring new dynamism to the three pillars of the ASEAN Community – Political-Security, Economic and Socio-Cultural – and contribute to ASEAN’s long-term vision of building a truly inclusive Southeast Asia.

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“Alongside Timor-Leste’s participation, the presence of global leaders and the success of regional peace diplomacy reflect ASEAN’s strength as a mature, cohesive and globally respected bloc,” he said.

Yesterday, Timor-Leste formally deposited its Instruments of Accession to the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), officially confirming its entry as ASEAN’s 11th member state.

Kuala Lumpur today takes centre stage as Malaysia officially opens the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, marking the culmination of its year-long leadership as ASEAN Chair.

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Tunku Nashrul said the ASEAN Chairmanship theme for 2025, ”Inclusivity and Sustainability” once again demonstrates Malaysia’s capacity to lead the region with a vision grounded in unity, fairness and a sustainable future.

“Today’s summit will bring together ASEAN leaders and the Chair’s guests, making Kuala Lumpur a focal point of global diplomacy where the region’s political, economic and humanitarian directions will be charted collectively,” he said.

According to Tunku Nashrul, in the morning session, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will receive the arrival of ASEAN Heads of State and Government, as well as Timor-Leste’s delegation, followed by the Chair’s guests – Brazil, South Africa, Canada and the European Union – at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

The programme will continue with the Official Opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit, where Anwar is scheduled to deliver his keynote address outlining Malaysia’s aspirations to forge a more inclusive and sustainable ASEAN unity.

Tunku Nashrul said the Prime Minister will chair the 47th ASEAN Summit, which will comprise two main sessions – the Plenary Session and the Retreat Session.

During the Plenary Session, leaders will review progress in building the ASEAN Community and discuss ways to strengthen regional integration, economic growth and connectivity.

He added that discussions will also cover ASEAN’s external relations, with emphasis on unity, centrality, and the bloc’s commitment to a rules-based international order.

The Retreat Session will focus on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) concerning the situation in Myanmar, as well as the exchange of views on regional and international issues of common interest.

Throughout the day, Tunku Nashrul said Anwar will also hold several bilateral meetings, including with the European Union, Japan, the United States and the United Nations (UN).

In addition, he will chair several summits, including the 28th ASEAN-Japan Summit, the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit (to be held virtually), the 3rd Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders’ Meeting, and the 13th ASEAN-United States Summit.

Tunku Nashrul added that under Anwar’s leadership, Malaysia remains steadfast in upholding principled, people-centred regional leadership, ensuring that ASEAN continues to be the cornerstone of stability and a driving force in shaping a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Southeast Asia.

-- BERNAMA