Source: Reference News
According to the Associated Press on October 26, ASEAN countries signed a declaration on October 26, accepting East Timor officially becoming the 11th member state of ASEAN.
Leaders and government representatives of ASEAN countries and East Timor sealed and signed the declaration documents in sequence at the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit on the morning of 26th. Xanana gusmão, Prime Minister of East Timor, finally signed the signature. When he signed it, he smiled but couldn't hide his excitement and tears in his eyes.
On October 26, East Timor Prime Minister Gusman signed formal documents on joining ASEAN.
Gusman promised that his country would become a “productive” member of ASEAN.
After the flag of Timor-Leste joined the other 10 flags on the table at an official ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Gusman told other leaders: “Today is a day to make history.”
“For the people of Timor-Leste, this is not only a dream to come true, but also a powerful assurance of our journey.”
According to the report, as the youngest and poorest country in the region, the accession of East Timor, with a population of only 1.4 million, to ASEAN has been praised as a symbolic step on behalf of regional inclusiveness.
This little-known country, located between Indonesia and Australia, was a Portuguese colony for over 400 years.
It is plagued by high unemployment and food shortages, with 42% of people living below the poverty line. Nearly two-thirds of the country’s citizens are under the age of 30, making the creation of youth jobs a priority.
East Timor’s government revenues come mainly from the oil and gas industry, but it is seeking diversification because of the rapid depletion of resources.
Joining ASEAN allows East Timor to take advantage of the group's free trade agreements, investment opportunities and broader regional markets.