History unfolded with deep emotion and triumph as Timor-Leste was officially welcomed as ASEAN’s 11th member during the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, marking the end of a 13-year journey of resilience, vision, and unity.
According to The Star, the atmosphere at the International Media Centre was nothing short of electric — tears streamed, hands clapped, and voices cheered as the Timor-Leste delegation witnessed the culmination of their nation’s long pursuit to join the regional family.
For Francisca Maia, a member of the delegation, the moment was far more than ceremonial — it was deeply personal.
“This isn’t an ending,” she said, her voice quivering. “It’s a new beginning for Timor-Leste. We celebrate today, but our real journey — building, contributing, and growing with ASEAN — starts now.”
As she watched Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao and President José Ramos-Horta take the stage, Francisca held back tears.
“They were our founding fathers — men who fought for our independence and our place in ASEAN. To see them here, fulfilling that dream, is beyond words. It reminds us how far we’ve come — and how ready we are for what’s next.”
Journalist Remizia Boavida described the moment as one of “profound pride and gratitude.”
“We’ve been working toward this for so long,” she said. “Finally, we are part of ASEAN. It’s an overwhelming feeling — thank you, Malaysia, and thank you, ASEAN.”
Echoing the collective sentiment, Domingos Tilman, media adviser to the President of Timor-Leste, emphasized that the achievement was the result of years of determination, cooperation, and unshakable belief.
Presided over by ASEAN Chair Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the ceremony represents more than an institutional milestone — it symbolizes Southeast Asia’s commitment to inclusivity, shared growth, and unity in diversity.
As the sun sets on this historic day, Timor-Leste stands not just as the newest ASEAN member, but as a symbol of perseverance — proving that dreams built on patience, purpose, and faith always find their way to reality.
