FM, ASEAN SEC-GEN DISCUSS MALAYSIA'S COMMITMENT TO A SUCCESSFUL ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP

KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (Bernama) -- ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on Thursday discussed Malaysia’s commitment to a successful ASEAN Chairmanship and preparation for the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, scheduled for May 26 to 27. 

Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry on its Facebook posting said the matters were highlighted during a meeting at Mohamad’s office in Putrajaya. 

“Additionally, the meeting also addressed Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, ASEAN’s external relations and the latest development regarding the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 (ACV 2045) which will be signed during the 46th ASEAN Summit,” said Wisma Putra.

Malaysia officially assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship on January 1, 2025, under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability”.

Last month Mohamad was reported as saying that Timor-Leste is likely to join ASEAN as a full member at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October.

Timor-Leste is currently awaiting a consensus decision from ASEAN member states on its acceptance as a full member of the regional organisation.

The country was recognised as an ASEAN observer and joined the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2005 before officially applying for membership on March 4, 2011.

In 2022, ASEAN leaders gathered at the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and agreed in principle for Timor-Leste to become the group's 11th member.

Timor-Leste has also been granted observer status to participate in all ASEAN meetings, including plenary sessions.

-- BERNAMA