Two young Timorese, Celestina Gomes (L) and Nolasco Viegas Torrezao, take pride in their country’s ASEAN membership. Photo: Supplied

On Sunday morning, right after the opening ceremony for the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), leaders of the 10 ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste signed the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into the bloc.

The signing ceremony concluded a 14-year accession process for Southeast Asia’s youngest nation.

Nguyen Khanh Linh from Hanoi and Luong Khanh Van from Da Nang, alumni of the 5th ASEAN-India Youth Summit in Goa last August, said they were impressed by how dynamic, open, and passionate the Timorese youth they met were about contributing to the region.

“Their dynamism and creativity make me believe that Timor-Leste will bring a fresh wind, contributing to making ASEAN more inclusive, self-reliant, and increasingly sustainable in its development,” Linh said.

Van, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of creating platforms for youth engagement across the expanded bloc.

Luong Khanh Van (L) and Nguyen Khanh Linh share positive impressions of the Timorese youth. Photo: Supplied

“Vietnam and ASEAN countries can provide support through student exchange programs, volunteer activities, or community projects aimed at sustainable development,” Van stated.

“When young people sit down together, exchange ideas, and do something useful, the distance between countries naturally closes.”

Young Timorese citizens have welcomed the development with joy.

Celestina Gomes, senior gender and advocacy officer at CARE International in Timor-Leste, told Tuoi Tre News she feels so proud and deeply happy as her country has finally become an ASEAN member.

“This is a dream come true for our people,” Gomes said.

“After so many years of hard work, our small nation is now standing together with our Southeast Asian brothers and sisters. 

“It shows that Timor-Leste is growing stronger and ready to take its place in the region.”

Nolasco Viegas Torrezao, a young business owner, echoed similar sentiments about the historic milestone.

“This is an important milestone that recognizes the country’s progress in political stability, regional cooperation, and economic development,” Torrezao said.

“Joining ASEAN means Timor-Leste will have a stronger voice in regional affairs and greater opportunities to connect with neighboring countries.

“It also shows that ASEAN is truly committed to inclusiveness and helping all Southeast Asian nations grow together.”

Both Gomes and Torrezao are members of Future Leaders for ASEAN, a youth initiative established by the Timor-Leste government.

The two young leaders highlighted education and youth exchange programs as areas of particular interest following their country’s ASEAN membership.

“I want to see Timorese students studying abroad in ASEAN countries, learning new skills, and bringing back knowledge to help build our nation,” Gomes said.

“This is the kind of progress our people deserve after so many years of effort and hope.”

Both expressed hope that Vietnam and other ASEAN countries could support Timor-Leste’s integration through experience sharing, training programs, and institutional capacity building.

They specifically noted interest in learning from Vietnam’s development and integration experience.