Asean officials discuss preparations to accept Timor-Leste as full member

Asean officials discuss preparations to accept Timor-Leste as full member

Malaysia's foreign secretary-general Amran Zin attends the meeting.

The opening ceremony of the 44th and 45th Asean Summits and Related Summits will take place on Oct 9 at the National Convention Centre, Vientiane, Laos. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA:
The Asean Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) that convened today in Vientiane is to discuss key matters, including preparations for Timor-Leste’s accession as a full Asean member.

Timor-Leste was granted official observer status in 2022. It has sought membership to give foreign companies and investors greater confidence and security to invest in the country.

Today’s meeting was chaired by Lao deputy foreign affairs minister Thongphane Savanphet, who is also Asean SOM leader.

Malaysia’s foreign secretary-general Amran Zin, other Asean SOM leaders and Timor-Leste’s SOM leader took part in the meeting, Bernama reported.

The officials recognised Laos’s achievements in nine priority areas under its 2024 chairmanship, including the development of strategic plans to implement the Asean Community Vision 2045.

The opening ceremony of the 44th and 45th Asean Summits and Related Summits will take place on Wednesday (Oct 9) at the National Convention Centre.

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