Harry MacDonald

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today joined other Foreign Ministers in a historic and momentous occasion, where the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste deposited its Instrument of Accession to the ASEAN Charter, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, signifying its formal admission to ASEAN, underscoring its commitment to ASEAN’s principles and values. Through depositing the Instrument of Accession to the ASEAN Charter, Timor-Leste showcased its readiness to integrate into ASEAN and abide by its processes as a rules-based organisation.   The ASEAN Charter, adopted in 2007 and in force since 2008, serves as the constitution of ASEAN. It provides the organisation with legal personality, establishes ASEAN as a rules-based and people-centred Community, and lays out the principles, purposes, and institutional framework that guide ASEAN’s work. By acceding to the ASEAN Charter, Timor-Leste affirmed its commitment to these shared values and the collective vision of an inclusive, united, and resilient ASEAN Community.