Timor-Leste will chair ASEAN in 2029, four years after its admission as the bloc’s 11th member.
At the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, ASEAN leaders approved a historic amendment to the organisation’s charter to formally include the nation as a member state.
The adoption of the Cebu Protocol marks the first time the ASEAN Charter has been amended since its inception in 2007. Thailand will chair ASEAN in 2028.
The protocol updates the list of member states and authorises changes to the ASEAN flag and emblem to reflect Timor-Leste’s full membership.
While the new regional symbols are expected to be unveiled at the 49th ASEAN Summit, the transition remains subject to the completion of domestic procedures by all member states.
In a joint statement, ASEAN leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s path toward full integration.
They commended the country’s progress in implementing a mandatory membership roadmap and encouraged continued coordination on joining regional treaties and economic agreements.
“We look forward to Timor-Leste’s full and effective participation,” the leaders said, noting the importance of the nation’s involvement in ASEAN+1 agreements and cooperation with global dialogue partners.
The summit also highlighted the role of external partners in providing targeted capacity-building support to help Timor-Leste fulfil its post-admission commitments.
