ASEAN welcomes Timor-Leste as NT leaders hail closer regional ties

Just 90 minutes from Darwin, Timor-Leste's acceptance into ASEAN promises to unlock unprecedented opportunities for Northern Territory's defence and economic partnerships.

Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN is being welcomed as a historic moment that will boost collaboration in defence, workforce development and economic growth across the Northern Territory and Indo-pacific region.

On Monday, Timor-Leste became the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), marking a significant step for the country’s regional integration and development.

Timor-Leste is one of the Territory’s closest neighbours, with just a 90 minute flight between capitals Darwin and Dili.

Solomon MP Luke Gosling said it was “a positive step for regional stability, co-operation and shared opportunity”.

“As the gateway to Southeast Asia, the NT looks forward to working even more closely with Timor-Leste and our ASEAN partners to strengthen connections in trade, education and security,” Mr Gosling said.

“The people of the NT share a deep bond with Timor-Leste, built on history, geography and enduring friendship. This next chapter will deepen those ties and open new pathways for collaboration in defence, workforce development and economic growth across our region.

“Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership recognises the nation’s determination and leadership, and marks a significant step for the entire Indo-Pacific. ASEAN integration will help drive Timor-Leste’s economic development and strengthen regional co-operation, and the Territory is proud to contribute to that shared future.”

NT Asian Relations Minister Robyn Cahill also congratulated Timor-Leste, on behalf of the CLP government.

“The Northern Territory celebrates this remarkable milestone achieved by our close friend and neighbour and we look forward to deepening our collaboration under our strategic partnership agreement and continuing to work together with Timor-Leste to strengthen trade and investment in the region,” Ms Cahill said.

East Timor's Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao delivers his speech during a reception for his country's admission to ASEAN on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. (How Hwee Young/Pool Photo via AP)

Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao was emotional as he acknowledged the historic moment for his country, a new beginning that would bring “immense opportunities” for trade and investment.

“For the people of Timor-Leste, this is not only a dream realised, but a powerful affirmation of our journey – one marked by resilience, determination and hope,” Mr Gusmao said.

“Our accession is a testament to the spirit of our people, a young democracy, born from our struggle.”

“This is not the end of a journey. This is the beginning of an inspiring new chapter.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was in Malaysia for the ASEAN summit, and congratulated Timor-Leste on the milestone.

“ASEAN is central to regional stability; it guards against conflict, drives regional economic growth, and reinforces the rules and norms that protect us all,” Mr Albanese said in a statement.

“As a close friend, partner and neighbour, we look forward to continuing to work closely with Timor-Leste and ASEAN to ensure membership delivers real benefits for the Timorese people and our shared region.”

Originally published as ASEAN welcomes Timor-Leste as NT leaders hail closer regional ties