August 10, 2025 | 01:49 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his support for Timor-Leste's full membership in ASEAN. He believes that Timor-Leste's presence will complement ASEAN geographically and strengthen the regional organization.
"We hope that Timor-Leste's accession will progress. When Timor-Leste becomes the eleventh member, ASEAN will be complete, representing the entire geography of Southeast Asia," Anwar said in a video statement commemorating the 58th ASEAN Day on Friday, August 8, 2025.
ASEAN Vision 2045
Anwar said ASEAN's strength lies in its members' openness and willingness to support each other. He recalled that ASEAN was established 58 years ago with the aim of maintaining peace, building trust, and fostering cooperation among countries in the region.
Anwar stated that ASEAN Vision 2045 will target a resilient, innovative, and people-centered region. "Its success depends on the actions we take now, from developing regional connectivity to strengthening food and energy security," Anwar said.
Hopes for ASEAN Cooperation
In commemorating the 58th ASEAN Day, Anwar expressed his hope that this would be a significant moment for all ASEAN members. He detailed that ASEAN is now home to more than 670 million people with a combined GDP of nearly US$4 trillion, making it the world's fifth-largest economy.
By 2030, ASEAN is projected to rise to fourth place. However, Anwar emphasized that growth must be inclusive and sustainable. "That is the focus of Malaysia's leadership," he said. Anwar also reiterated Malaysia's commitment to ASEAN's central role, including in resolving difficult issues such as the situation in Myanmar, as well as strengthening food and energy security.
"May our unity remain strong. May ASEAN continue to stand as a shining example of peace, progress, and partnership in our region and beyond," Anwar said.
ASEAN Secretary-General Affirms Values of Unity
On the same occasion, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn reminded members not to neglect the values that have been the unifying force of the organization for nearly six decades.
He believes that ASEAN's main strength stems from a shared commitment to peace, cooperation, unity, and diversity. "Amidst uncertainty, we must remain a steadfast force by providing space for dialogue, practical cooperation, and principled neutrality," he said.
ASEAN, founded on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, by Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Thailand, now has 10 members with a population of 675 million and a combined GDP of nearly US$4 trillion. Timor-Leste will become the 11th member, with membership planned to be announced at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025.
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