Timor-Leste reviews 2029 ASEAN chairmanship plans on membership anniversary
Preparations involve 14 subcommittees, with ministries assessing infrastructure, staffing, diplomacy and logistics.
Timor-Leste marked a year of ASEAN membership on 26 October 2026 as government officials reviewed the country’s readiness to chair the regional bloc in 2029. It became ASEAN’s 11th member at its accession in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 26 October 2025.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão chaired a meeting of the ASEAN Chair National Organising Committee with representatives of several ministries. Held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the session examined preparations to host and lead the bloc’s meetings and activities.
Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Bendito Freitas said the work was structured around five pillars and involved 14 subcommittees. Areas under review included infrastructure, human resources, institutional and diplomatic matters, programmes and logistics.
Freitas said joining ASEAN had opened opportunities for economic cooperation and closer regional integration. He also acknowledged assistance from fellow member states during Timor-Leste’s accession process.
