Jakarta, July 4 -- Timor-Leste will officially become ASEAN's 11th member later this year, according to the Foreign Ministry's Director General for ASEAN Cooperation, Sidharto R. Suryodipuro.

"During the recent ASEAN Summit (in May 2025), it was decided that its full membership will be formalized at the upcoming summit," Suryodipuro stated regarding Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership in a press conference on Thursday.

After hosting the 46th ASEAN Summit last May, Kuala Lumpur will host the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025.

He explained that Timor-Leste has applied for ASEAN membership since 2011 and has undergone the accession process required by ASEAN countries, including through direct assessments of the country.

Although the direct as...