KUALA LUMPUR – In a historic moment for East Timor, the nation’s prime minister confirmed on Sunday its commitment to being a constructive member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as it officially joined the organization. This marks ASEAN’s first expansion since the 1990s.

During a formal ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, East Timor’s flag was proudly displayed alongside those of the existing 10 member states. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao addressed his fellow leaders, stating, “Today, history is made.”

“For the people of Timor Leste, this is not just the fulfillment of a dream but a powerful affirmation of our journey,” Gusmao added, emphasizing the significance of this achievement for his country.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, presiding as the bloc’s current chair, remarked that East Timor’s inclusion “completes the ASEAN family, affirming our shared destiny and deep sense of regional kinship.”

Ibrahim highlighted ASEAN’s mission to “pursue growth that is both resilient and fair, ensuring the welfare of future generations.”

Angeline Tan, an analyst from Malaysia’s Institute of Strategic & International Studies, noted that welcoming the region’s youngest and least affluent nation, with a population of just 1.4 million, showcases ASEAN’s “inclusivity and adaptability, particularly in a time of geopolitical uncertainty.”

“As protectionism is on the rise, the expansion of ASEAN demonstrates its commitment to regionalism, openness and equal participation,” she said.

The last country to join ASEAN was Cambodia in 1999.

East Timor, wedged between Indonesia and Australia, was a Portuguese colony for over four centuries before declaring independence in 1975.

Indonesia invaded nine days later, beginning a brutal 24-year occupation that claimed tens of thousands of lives through conflict, famine and disease. A U.N.-supervised referendum in 1999 paved the way for independence, which was formally restored in 2002.

Today it is led by two independence heroes, Prime Minister Gusmao and President Jose Ramos-Horta, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996.

They are trying to tackle high levels of unemployment, malnutrition and poverty. Some 42% of the country’s population live below the national poverty line. Nearly two-thirds of its citizens are under 30 years old, making youth job creation a high priority.

Its major source of government revenues comes from the oil and gas industry, but with resources quickly becoming depleted it is looking to diversify.

ASEAN membership gives East Timor access to the bloc’s free trade deals, investment opportunities and a broader regional market.

East Timor applied for membership in 2011 and was granted observer status in 2022.

“For us this new beginning brings immense opportunity in trade, investment, education and the digital economy — we are ready to learn, innovate and uphold good government,” Gusmao said.

“This is not the end of a journey, this is a beginning of an inspiring new chapter. ”