The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Hernanio Coelho, said he was confident Timor-Leste would join theAssociation of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year and that all requirements would be fulfilled.
Coelho said an ASEAN working group had assessed Timor-Leste’s membership application and the government was now awaiting the results of the final appraisal from members.
“We are currently following the usual processes and this shows our professionalism, effectiveness and efficiency in economic, political and social issues,” said Coelho at the National Parliament.
He called on communities to collaborate to help improve various sectors across the country.
He said the criteria for joining in ASEAN was quite different compared to the European Union and would deliver many benefits for the country.
However, Member of Parliament MP Arao Noe said although there was widespread political support for Timor-Leste to join ASEAN, the processes needed to proceed slowly as not all sectors were ready.
He said if Timor-Leste adheres to ASEAN protocols, the country would be more economically free in competing with other larger countries.
Such arrangements would be particularly beneficial to Timor-Leste’s economy, he said.
Timor-Leste officially applied to join ASEAN in 2011, a process which started in 2002 after it gained independence from Indonesia.
