Jakarta: Secretary General of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kao Kim Hourn expressed his support for Timor Leste to join as the 11th member of ASEAN. He also emphasized the importance of working together with Timor Leste which is in a Southeast Asian region.
"It is very important for us to really take advantage of the opportunities that exist so that we can work together to support them not being passive, but at the same time also providing an opportunity for Timor Leste to join ASEAN at this time," Secretary General Kao said when met by Medcom. id at the ASEAN Secretariat Office, Jakarta, Thursday 8 June 2023.
However, Secretary General Kao could not confirm whether Timor Leste would join as a member of ASEAN this year. According to him, the decision rests with Timor Leste.
"In my opinion, you have to ask them because whether they are ready or not depends on Timor Leste. Timor Leste will decide and say that they are ready to join as members of ASEAN," he continued.
On the other hand, he believes that Timor Leste will get many benefits if it joins as a member of ASEAN. Timor Leste is considered to be part of the larger ASEAN economic community.
"As an independent country, Timor Leste has developed a very large population. So, the size of this market will be a problem. In the meantime, ASEAN has started working. Therefore, it is very important for us to consider Timor Leste and they must also know how lucky can join us,” explained the diplomat from Cambodia.
At the Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November last year, Timor Leste was agreed in principle to become a member of ASEAN.
However, Timor Leste has just been recognized as an observer country. There are still many things that need to be completed so that Timor Leste can join as a full member of ASEAN. (Kevin Schreiber)
Cek Berita dan Artikel yang lain di Google News
FOLLOW US
Ikuti media sosial medcom.id dan dapatkan berbagai keuntungan
