Timor-Leste's Asean membership sees positive momentum under Malaysia's chairmanship
KUALA LUMPUR: Timor-Leste's long-awaited admission into Asean under Malaysia's chairmanship is showing positive progress, according to the Philippines' appointed Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro.
Speaking in a doorstep interview following the Asean Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) here today, Lazaro, however, noted that the membership was still subject to further deliberation.
"I cannot speculate, but based on the discussions we have had, the outlook is positive.
"I believe it is also Asean's intention, particularly Malaysia, as the chair, for Timor-Leste to become a member in the near future.
"This is one of the deliverables under Malaysia's chairmanship this year. However, it remains highly speculative. A number of issues and discussions still need to take place, but it (progress) is moving," she said.
Despite having submitted its application over a decade ago, Timor-Leste's path to becoming Asean's 11th member remained uncertain.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan in February this year said Malaysia, as Asean chair for this year, had prioritised expediting Timor-Leste's membership process. (https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/1179581/timor-leste-set-join-...)
He also said Timor-Leste could become a full member of Asean by the regional bloc's second summit in October or November this year.
Commenting on Malaysia's chairmanship, Lazaro expressed her country's commitment to building on Malaysia's ongoing efforts as Asean Chair, ahead of the Philippines' turn to lead the regional bloc in 2026.
She said Manila views its upcoming chairmanship as a significant milestone aligning closely with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's diplomatic agenda.
"There are a lot of challenges ahead, but we are taking it as an important role as we are chairing the Asean next year.
"It is very important in the agenda of President Marcos that we also build on what Malaysia is doing and we congratulate you on what you have been doing.
"We just want to build on what you have done. There are a number of deliverables that you are doing and I think that will be the task that I have to do (continue building momentum)," she said.
Lazaro was recently appointed as the new Philippine foreign affairs secretary on Friday, succeeding Enrique Manalo, who has been named the next Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN).
She is set to officially assume leadership of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on July 31, pending confirmation by Congress.
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