Latest news with #XananaGusmao
Malay Mail
27-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Timor-Leste on track to full Asean membership by October, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — South-east Asian leaders have agreed to accept Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc at the upcoming Asean Summit in October, subject to the fulfilment of several remaining requirements for full membership. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, however, said that the leaders had reached a consensus to support Timor-Leste in taking all necessary steps to become a full member of the regional bloc. 'The decision was clearly to agree (that) they would become accepted as full member by next Summit in October, of course subject to one or two actions or reforms to be undertaken, particularly one of the condition of economic pillar,' he said in the wrap-up press conference to conclude the 46th Asean Summit, here today. Timor Leste, which first applied for Asean membership in 2011, was granted observer status at high-level meetings in 2022. However, its full integration is still under evaluation. Its Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, who was also in Kuala Lumpur to attend the Summit, was reported as being optimistic about securing the full membership by the end of this year. — Bernama
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Timor-Leste PM charms media at ASEAN-GCC Summit
KUALA LUMPUR: After a long morning covering the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, media personnel were treated to an unexpected moment of warmth, not from protocol staff or organisers but from none other than the Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. The high-level meeting, held from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here, brought together leaders from Southeast Asia and the GCC for strategic discussions. As the summit concluded and leaders proceeded to a formal luncheon, journalists remained stationed outside the ballroom, hoping for updates or a chance for a doorstop interview. That's when Xanana Gusmao did something unexpected. With a broad smile, he approached the waiting media and offered them candies, saying simply, 'Take it, you've waited so long.' The thoughtful gesture sparked smiles and appreciative laughter from the weary media practitioners, many of whom had not anticipated such a personal moment amid the formalities. According to Iylia Marsya Iskandar, a 26-year-old reporter for the New Straits Times, such gestures may be small, but they make a big difference. 'It was not about the candy; it was about being recognised. You rarely see that kind of interaction at these kinds of events,' she told Bernama. The ASEAN-GCC Summit, held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit, aims to enhance bilateral cooperation and regional relations between ASEAN and Gulf countries. Formed in 1981 with its headquarters in Riyadh, the GCC comprises six members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Sweet diplomacy: Timor-Leste PM warms media hearts at ASEAN-GCC Summit
KUALA LUMPUR: After a long morning covering the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, media personnel were treated to an unexpected moment of warmth, not from protocol staff or organisers but from none other than the Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. The high-level meeting, held from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here, brought together leaders from Southeast Asia and the GCC for strategic discussions. As the summit concluded and leaders proceeded to a formal luncheon, journalists remained stationed outside the ballroom, hoping for updates or a chance for a doorstop interview. That's when Xanana Gusmao did something unexpected. With a broad smile, he approached the waiting media and offered them candies, saying simply, 'Take it, you've waited so long.' The thoughtful gesture sparked smiles and appreciative laughter from the weary media practitioners, many of whom had not anticipated such a personal moment amid the formalities. According to Iylia Marsya Iskandar, a 26-year-old reporter for the New Straits Times, such gestures may be small, but they make a big difference. 'It was not about the candy; it was about being recognised. You rarely see that kind of interaction at these kinds of events,' she told Bernama. The ASEAN-GCC Summit, held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit, aims to enhance bilateral cooperation and regional relations between ASEAN and Gulf countries. Formed in 1981 with its headquarters in Riyadh, the GCC comprises six members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Timor-Leste nearing full Asean membership
Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao attending the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Kuala Lumpur on May 26. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG KUALA LUMPUR - Timor-Leste is inching closer to full Asean membership, with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao hopeful of achieving this by the end of 2025. He said this optimism is based on the strong confidence and support expressed by Asean member states regarding Timor-Leste's progress. 'I believe so,' Mr Gusmao said when asked about the likelihood of completing the accession process by the end of 2025. 'We will try our best. We've completed many criteria already, but there are still one, two, or three things we need to do,' he told reporters at the Asean Summit held in Malaysia on May 26. The Prime Minister highlighted the remarkable solidarity shown by Asean member states towards Timor-Leste's bid. 'Yes, yes, because everybody supports us. Everybody. It was incredible. You know why? Because they saw a small country, alone there,' he said. Timor-Leste's journey towards Asean membership has been marked by significant milestones, including its observer status granted in 2022. Malaysia's Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, said Timor-Leste must put in extra effort to attain full Asean membership. This includes adopting key guidelines under the Asean Foreign Ministers' framework concerning the bloc's legal instruments. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar: Inclusivity and sustainability must anchor Asean's future
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — The principles of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' the theme of Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship this year, must be embedded at the very heart of the regional bloc's agenda and vision, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In his opening remarks at the 46th Asean Summit, here today, he said the theme is a strategic and value-driven proposition. 'It speaks not only to our aspirations, but to our obligations. It is anchored in the conviction that Asean's future must rest on the twin pillars of equitable, sustainable growth and enduring resilience,' he said. Anwar also expressed his appreciation for the support of all Asean leaders in ensuring that Malaysia's Chairmanship advances the Asean Community Vision 2045, which will be launched today. Heads of state and government that were present were Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Also present were Timor Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao as observer, and Asean's Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn. This year marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing the regional bloc, having previously held the Asean chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In conjunction with the summit, two pivotal high-level engagements, namely the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, will also be convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation. — Bernama
