The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Taur Matan Ruak, was present at the 42nd ASEAN Summit 2023 in Indonesia’s Labuan Bajo tourist area, East Nusa Tenggara province, and his presence was a historic moment that would have a positive impact on the economic and social sectors.

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Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The presence of Timor-Leste as a member of the 42nd ASEAN Summit 2023 in Indonesia’s Labuan Bajo tourist area, East Nusa Tenggara province, is a historic moment that will have a positive impact on both the economic and social sectors, the country's Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak has said.

Timor Leste’s Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak made the remark, during the opening of the 42nd ASEAN Summit 2023 at the Meruorah Hotel in West Manggarai district, East Nusa Tenggara province on Wednesday, according to Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its written statement.

"The participation of Timor-Leste is a historic moment because it can have a positive impact in various sectors, including those on economy and social aspects. In this way, various developments that have been previously carried out can continue," Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak said.

The prime minister also expressed his gratitude for Indonesia's support for Timor-Leste's accession as a member of ASEAN as well as for the invitation to attend for the first time the ASEAN Summit and become a member of the prestigious event in Southeast Asia.

"Thank you to His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia and Chair of ASEAN 2023, for his support and commitment thus far, and for giving me an invitation to participate in this historic summit," Taur Matan Ruak said.

According to him, it is an honor for his country to attend the ASEAN Summit for the first time, and it is a new chapter in the history of Timor-Leste and ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

The prime minister also stated that the Timor-Leste government will comply with the follow-up of the Roadmap mutually agreed upon with other ASEAN members.

Previously, President Joko Widodo congratulated Timor-Leste on joining the ASEAN family during the opening of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in 2023.

At the ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh in 2022, it was agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as a member, which still needed to fulfil certain requirements before becoming a full member. Timor-Leste will be the 11th country to gain membership in ASEAN.

"To the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, welcome to the ASEAN family," Indonesian President Joko Widodo said.

On the first day of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in 2023, the Indonesian president was set to chair five meetings, including the ASEAN Summit (Opening and Plenary Session), ASEAN Leaders Interface Meeting with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Representatives, ASEAN Leaders Interface Meeting with ASEAN Youth Representatives, ASEAN Leaders Interface Meeting with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Representatives, and ASEAN Leaders Interface Meeting with the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Community's Post-2025 Vision (HLTF-ACV) Representatives.

These five meetings will be concluded by President Joko Widodo in the evening, coinciding with a welcoming dinner at Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach. ​

Reporting by Indonesia Window