Why in News?
East Timor (Timor-Leste) becomes the newest member of ASEAN at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur (2025).
Description:
At the ASEAN Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ASEAN officially welcomed East Timor (Timor-Leste) as its 11th member.
PM Narendra Modi addressed the summit virtually and congratulated East Timor, calling ASEAN a “cultural partner” of India.
About East Timor (Timor-Leste):
- Location: Pacific Ocean, north of Australia
- Population: 1.4 million
- Gained independence: 2002 (after UN-supervised referendum in 1999)
- Former Portuguese colony for 400+ years
- President: Jose Ramos-Horta (Nobel Peace Prize, 1996)
- Major revenues: Oil & Gas, now diversifying economy
Historical Background:
- Portuguese rule ended in 1975, but Indonesia invaded East Timor within nine days.
- Decades of conflict followed; thousands died.
- True independence was achieved only in 2002 after UN intervention.
- Known for resilience and long struggle for sovereignty.
ASEAN Membership Journey:
- East Timor had long sought ASEAN membership, aiming to join regional economic, political, and security mechanisms.
- Now part of ASEAN’s framework, including:
- Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
- ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
Why It Matters:
- ASEAN expands to 11 members — growing strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific.
- Strengthens regional integration and connectivity.
- Brings attention to small island developing states (SIDS) in Asia.
- East Timor gains access to trade, investment, and technology cooperation.
Challenges for East Timor
- 42% of the population lives below the poverty line.
- Two-thirds of citizens are under 30 years old.
- Oil reserves are depleting — urgent need for economic diversification.
- Requires capacity-building and institutional strengthening for ASEAN participation.
ASEAN Overview:
- Established: 1967 (Bangkok Declaration)
- Founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand
- HQ: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Key principles: Consensus and Non-interference
- 3 Pillars:
- Political-Security Community
- Economic Community
- Socio-Cultural Community
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