Kuala Lumpur, Oct. 25 -- Timor-Leste officially submitted its instruments of accession to the ASEAN Charter and the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) on Saturday, marking its entry as the bloc's 11th member.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, speaking at the accession ceremony, said Timor-Leste's participation in the nuclear-weapon-free zone strengthens ASEAN's role as a region committed to unity and peace.

"We welcome not only a new ASEAN member, but also our commitment to an inclusive, resilient, and peaceful community ready for the future," Hasan said.

He added that Timor-Leste's membership in SEANWFZ will inject new momentum into ASEAN's efforts to maintain regional security and stability.

Hasan noted that A...