History was written in golden letters today as Timor-Leste was officially welcomed as ASEAN’s 11th member nation, marking the end of a 13-year journey filled with determination, unity, and unwavering hope. The emotional moment unfolded during the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, where the official declaration of admission was signed — a powerful symbol of Timor-Leste’s enduring dream finally realized.
According to reports from The Star, the International Media Centre resonated with heartfelt emotion — tears, applause, and cheers echoed as members of the Timor-Leste delegation watched their flag rise among the ASEAN nations for the first time.
For Francisca Maia, a proud member of the delegation, the moment was not an ending but a new beginning. Fighting back tears, she shared,
“We celebrate this moment, but our work is far from done. There’s still much ahead for us to accomplish, and Timor-Leste is prepared for it.”
Her words reflected not just celebration but a deep sense of purpose. She looked on with admiration as Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao and President José Ramos-Horta stood as symbols of the nation’s struggle and triumph.
“They were our founding fathers, who fought for independence and for our place in ASEAN. Seeing them make this happen is deeply emotional and reminds us of our resilience,” she added.
Remizia Boavida, a journalist from Timor-Leste, described the day as one of “profound pride and gratitude.”
“We’ve been working toward this for so long, and finally, we are part of ASEAN. It’s such an emotional moment — thank you, Malaysia, and thank you, ASEAN,” she said with tears in her eyes.
Echoing the same spirit, Domingos Tilman, media adviser to the President, emphasized that this success was not a coincidence but a reflection of years of persistence, partnership, and national unity.
The ceremony, presided over by ASEAN Chair Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stands as a defining chapter in Southeast Asia’s shared history — a testament to regional cooperation and the collective dream of progress, peace, and prosperity.
As the flags fluttered side by side, one truth stood clear — Timor-Leste’s journey has just begun. The world watched as a small nation with a big heart took its rightful place on the regional stage — a reminder that dreams may take time, but they do come true when pursued with resilience and faith.
