On the morning of October 26, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, Malaysia, Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste attended the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related Summits, the second series of Summits in Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2025 under the theme "imperial and Sustainable".
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warmly welcomed leaders of ASEAN countries, partners and friends from all continents to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit.
Looking back at 2025 with many fluctuations, not only testing the resilience of ASEAN economies but also the will and confidence in cooperation, dialogue and understanding in a period of division, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim affirmed that ASEAN will continue to stand firm, thanks to the firm belief that respect and reason will always unite member countries; emphasizing that Cambodia and Thailand signing this peace agreement has demonstrated the strength of trust, as well as the courage in choosing peace and reconciliation.
Congratulating Timor-Leste on officially becoming the 11th member of ASEAN, the Malaysian Prime Minister emphasized that this is a historic milestone in the Association's development process, contributing to the completion of the ASEAN family, while demonstrating ASEAN's commitment to support Timor-Leste in the development process and enhancing strategic autonomy.
Regarding the direction in the coming time, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that ASEAN needs to continue to strengthen cooperation for the common goal of peace and prosperity in the region, including further deepening economic linkages, expanding trade, enhancing competitiveness, effectively implementing economic cooperation agreements, as well as initiatives to support connectivity and green growth such as the ASEAN Power Transmission Network, the Green Sea Economic Framework, the electric vehicle ecosystem, enhancing digital economic cooperation, etc.
Faced with protectionism and changes in the global supply chain, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim suggested ASEAN be ready to establish new partnerships, along with further deepening existing relations.
Within the framework of the opening ceremony, ASEAN leaders signed an Official Statement admitting Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN.
Speaking at the admission ceremony, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana gusmao affirmed that the official admission to ASEAN is a historic milestone, realizing the country's aspiration for integration after a persistent and steadfast journey.
The Prime Minister gusmao thanked member countries and partners for accompanying and supporting Timor-Leste in the preparation process; emphasizing that Timor-Leste considers ASEAN a natural common home and a strategic choice for the future.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister gusmao reaffirmed Timor-Leste's commitment to fully comply with the provisions and obligations stated in the ASEAN Charter, promote solidarity, cooperation and actively contribute to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 for a peaceful and prosperous area with the people as the center.
