Timor-Leste set to join Asean nuclear weapon-free zone under new addendum
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) has considered and adopted the draft addendum to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ).
The addendum provides the legal basis to enable Asean Member States and Timor-Leste to undertake the necessary domestic procedures for accession.
Its adoption marks a significant step forward in Timor-Leste's integration into Asean's political and security frameworks.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who chaired the meeting, has also handed over the addendum draft in a ceremony to the depository state, Thailand.
"We believe that Timor-Leste's inclusion in the SEANWFZ security framework is a crucial step towards its integration into Asean and the broader regional security architecture.
"It is my sincere hope that member states can begin undertaking the necessary domestic processes with a view to concluding Timor-Leste's accession process with the SEANWFZ Treaty by the 47th Asean Summit and related summits," he said briefly after handing over the draft.
The draft was finalised by the SEANWFZ executive committee during its meeting on April 29.
The meeting has also adopted the Guidelines to Facilitate Timor-Leste's Accession to Asean Legal Instruments and Agreements, marking continued progress towards Timor-Leste's full membership in Asean.
During the AMM meeting, Asean foreign ministers and Timor-Leste also reaffirmed their collective commitment to regional peace, stability, and prosperity in the face of intensifying geopolitical and economic challenges.
The discussions centred on strengthening Asean's strategic autonomy, advancing the Asean Community Vision 2045, and enhancing the region's capacity to play a proactive and constructive role in regional and global affairs.
On the situation in Myanmar, Mohamad also proposed the extension and expansion of ceasefires beyond the currently affected zones as a constructive step towards a broader cessation of violence and the effective implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC).
He highlighted the importance of ensuring a safe and enabling environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the rebuilding of affected communities.
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