Despite the sustained silence of firearms along the border, allegations of ceasefire breaches have been a persistent issue between the two nations. The recent agreement aims to address these concerns and uphold peace.

However, experts note that a final, all-encompassing peace agreement between these two Southeast Asian neighbors remains elusive. The journey towards a comprehensive resolution continues.

In a move towards greater cooperation, both countries have committed to working together on the removal of landmines. This issue came to the forefront following an incident where a Thai soldier was injured during a routine border patrol. Thailand has accused Cambodia, which is one of the most heavily mined nations globally, of deploying new landmines. Cambodia, on the other hand, denies these accusations.

Taking a step back in history, East Timor was under Portuguese rule for over 400 years before it was invaded by Indonesia in 1975. This colonial past and subsequent challenges have shaped its current geopolitical stance.

In a significant diplomatic development, East Timor’s Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmao, was warmly received as a new member of the ASEAN community during a ceremony in Malaysia. The event marked a new chapter for the nation on the regional stage.

East Timor was a Portuguese colony for over four centuries before Indonesia’s 1975 invasion.

East Timor’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao (left) was welcomed into the ASEAN group in Malaysia. Source: AP / Vincent Thian

ASEAN membership gives East Timor access to the bloc’s free trade deals, investment opportunities and a broader regional market — vital for diversifying an economy long reliant on oil and gas.