Asean members sign declaration to welcome Timor-Leste to bloc

Asean members sign declaration to welcome Timor-Leste to bloc

Asia's youngest nation East Timor on Sunday, October 26, became the 11th member of the Southeast Asian bloc Asean, fulfilling a vision set out by its current president nearly a half-century ago while under Portuguese rule.

Also known as Timor-Leste, the country of 1.4 million people is among Asia's poorest and hopes to see gains from integrating its fledgling economy, which at about $2 billion represents only a tiny fraction of Asean's collective $3.8 trillion gross domestic product.

East Timor's accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations follows a 14-year wait and though its membership is not expected to be transformative, it represents a symbolic victory for its President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, the heroes of its struggle for independence.

Its joining was formalized by Asean leaders at the opening of their annual summit in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, where applause rang out as East Timor's flag was placed on the stage.

MOFA MALAYSIA VIA REUTERS

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