Hun Sen Congratulates TL Joining ASEAN for 11th

Image : President of the Senate of Kingdom Cambodia King Hun Sen & President of the Republic José Manuel Ramos Horta

SAPNewsTL : President of the Senate of Kingdom Cambodia King Hun Sen congratulates the people of Timor-Leste through a direct letter to President of the Republic José Manuel Ramos Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão to declare his support for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN.

Marciana da Conceição – SAPNews

H.E. Mr. José Manuel Ramos-Horta, President Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

On behalf of the Senate of Cambodia and on my own behalf, I would like to convey my warmest congratulations to your Excellency, the Government, the National Parliament, and the people of your nation of Timor-Leste on its forthcoming accession to ASEAN as a full member during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, after its admission in principle as the 11th member of ASEAN at the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2022.

Upon learning of the announcement about Timor-Leste’s forthcoming full membership in ASEAN at the 46th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by His Excellency Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia and ASEAN Chair, I was heartened to see the dedicated labor of your government and people over the years so deservedly recognized.

This milestone marks a proud moment not only for Timor-Leste, but also the whole ASEAN Family, as we take great strides together in solidarity amidst the complex challenges of the fast-changing global landscape.

In appreciating ASEAN’s commitment to regional integration, Cambodia, as a steadfast friend and partner, is confident that Timor-Leste’s accession will serve to enrich the regional community and contribute meaningfully to our shared vision of unity, resilience, sustainable development, and prosperity.

I look forward to working closely with Your Excellency not only in the spirit of enduring friendship but now also as fellow members of ASEAN – to advancing our collective aspirations for the region and beyond.

H.E. Mr. Kay Rala Xanana GUSMÃO, Prime Minister, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Dill

It is with great joy that I learned of the momentous announcement by the ASEAN Chair and Malaysian Prime Minister, H.E. Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, regarding Timor-Leste’s forthcoming full membership in ASEAN.

This historic milestone marks a proud moment for the Timorese people and a testament to ASEAN’s solidarity, centrality, and commitment to regional integration.

On behalf of the Senate and the people of Cambodia, as well as on my own behalf, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency, the Government, and the people of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on this historic achievement.

Timor-Leste’s formal accession as the 11th member of ASEAN at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025 -following its admission in principle at the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits in Cambodia in 2022 – is a significant step forward for our region.

As a longstanding friend, Cambodia has wholeheartedly supported Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership, which will undoubtedly enrich our collective efforts to promote unity, inclusiveness, and sustainable development across Southeast Asia.

In the face of an increasingly complex global landscape, Timor-Leste’s inclusion strengthens our shared vision for a resilient and cohesive ASEAN Community. We look forward to deepening our bilateral cooperation and working closely with Your Excellency to advance our mutual goals in the years ahead.