LABUAN BAJO - Timor Leste for the first time attended the ASEAN Summit after being accepted in principle in November 2022 as a member of the 11 regional organizations.
"We have taken steps to build important infrastructure... in accordance with the agreed roadmap," said PM Ruak when giving a speech at the opening of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, NTT as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 10.
Ruak said Timor Leste had expanded Nicolau Lobato Airport in the capital Dili and guaranteed safe communication through underwater optical cables.
Timor Leste has also begun to improve service conditions for leaders and tourists who will come to trade facilities such as restaurants and conference places.
He said joining Timor Leste into ASEAN was an important moment in the midst of global competition and dynamical areas.
"Together with ASEAN, we will prosper. We will be one of the leaders in the ASEAN region who can be trusted. We will be your partners," said Ruak.
Timor Leste officially volunteered to become a member of ASEAN in 2011, but the request was only approved at the summit at Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November last year.
PM Ruak visited Indonesia on February 13 during an official visit, and was received directly by the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java.
President Jokowi said that Indonesia, which runs the Chairship of ASEAN 2023, is preparing a roadmap for Timor Leste's full membership in ASEAN.
The roadmap is a step that Timor Leste must take for full participation, including agreements or contracts contained in the three pillars of ASEAN; security, economic and socio-cultural politics.
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