On behalf of Sophat Notes Organization, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people and Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on the occasion of your accession as the 11th Member State of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Your formal admission on 26 October 2025 marks a landmark achievement in your nation’s journey of sovereignty, resilience and regional engagement.
Your accession is not only a recognition of Timor-Leste’s steadfast commitment to peace, democracy and prosperity, but also a testament to the vision of its leaders and the unwavering spirit of its people. Over the years you have worked diligently to fulfil the criteria for membership, and today you stand among the ASEAN community as a full partner in regional cooperation and integration.
As you embark on this new chapter within ASEAN, I wish to affirm our confidence that Timor-Leste will bring distinctive and valuable contributions to the regional agenda: from youth empowerment to inclusive economic growth; from strengthening democratic governance to building resilient institutions; and from deepening intra-regional partnerships to promoting stability and shared prosperity.
We celebrate with you this historic milestone, and we look forward to enhanced cooperation between Timor-Leste and Sophat Notes Organization within the ASEAN framework. May your membership usher in renewed opportunities for trade, investment, education, infrastructure, and human capital development—benefiting not only your nation but the broader Southeast Asian region.
Once again, please accept our warmest congratulations and our best wishes for Timor-Leste’s success as a full member of ASEAN. We stand ready to collaborate with you as you realise the full promise of this new beginning.