Joining ASEAN and Attend the Summit in Labuan Bajo, PM Timor Leste Appreciates the Government of Indonesia and President Jokowi

Timorese Prime Minister Leste Taur Matan Ruak President of Indonesia Joko Widodo met on the sidelines of the ASEAN 2023 Summit. (Source: Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)

JAKARTA - The presence of Timor-Leste as an observer at the 42nd ASEAN Summit 2023 in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, is a historic moment that will have a positive impact on the economic and social sectors.

This was emphasized by Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Taur Matan Ruak while attending the opening of the 42 ASEAN 2023 Summit at the Meruorah Hotel, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Wednesday.

"The joining of Timor-Leste is a historic moment. Because it can have a positive impact on various sectors, both economic and social. In this way, the various developments that have been carried out can continue," said Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, citing the Republic of Indonesia Ministry's statement overseas, Wednesday 10 May.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste is also grateful for Indonesia's support for Timor-Leste, so that he can join as a member of ASEAN, attend the ASEAN Summit for the first time, and become an observer at a prestigious event at the Southeast Asian level.

"Thank you to His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia Chair of ASEAN 2023, for his support and commitment so far, for inviting me to participate in this historic Summit," said the Prime Minister of Timor Leste.

According to him, it is an honor for his country to attend the ASEAN Summit for the first time, and is a new chapter in the history of Timor-Leste as well as ASEAN.

For the opportunity given, PM Taur said the Government of Timor-Leste would comply with the follow-up to the Road Map agreed upon jointly with other ASEAN members.

Previously, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) congratulated Timor-Leste on joining the ASEAN family, during the opening of the Summit.

It is known, at the ASEAN Summit in Phnom Phen 2022, in principle it had been agreed upon membership for Timor-Leste, but it still has to fulfill a number of obligations before becoming a full member. Timor-Leste will be listed as the 11th country to join the ASEAN membership.