Phnom Penh: Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, has extended congratulations to President of Timor-Leste H.E. Jos© Manuel Ramos-Horta and Timor-Leste Prime Minister H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmo on the country’s accession to ASEAN in October this year.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his congratulations on behalf of the Senate of Cambodia and himself, highlighting Timor-Leste’s forthcoming accession as the 11th member of ASEAN during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025. This follows Timor-Leste’s admission in principle at the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 2022.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen noted his optimism upon learning of Timor-Leste’s forthcoming full membership in ASEAN, as announced by H.E. Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia and ASEAN Chair, at the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. He acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Timor-Leste government and people, recognizing this milestone as significant for Timor-Leste and the entire ASEAN Family.
As a longstanding supporter, Cambodia has backed Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership, which is anticipated to bolster efforts towards unity, inclusiveness, and sustainable development across Southeast Asia. Timor-Leste’s inclusion is seen as a step towards strengthening a shared vision for a resilient and cohesive ASEAN Community amidst global challenges.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen concluded by expressing his commitment to collaborating closely with Timor-Leste, emphasizing the spirit of enduring friendship and shared aspirations as fellow ASEAN members.