The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has accepted Timor Leste as its 11th member in principle here in Phnom Penh, under Cambodia’s chairmanship in 2022.
The half-island nation, officially known as Timor Leste, will also be granted observer status at high-level ASEAN meetings, the bloc announced following a summit of regional leaders in Phnom Penh.
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (R) shakes hands with visiting Timor-Leste’s President Jose Ramos-Horta in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Oct. 20, 2022.
“We…agreed in principle to admit Timor Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member,” the statement said, adding that the next steps would include submitting a “roadmap for full membership” at next year’s summit.
The nation of 1.37 million people gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 and officially applied for ASEAN membership in 2011.
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