Asia-Pacific

ASEAN to consider Timor-Leste's proposal of membership

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-09 15:32

JAKARTA - The Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) has involved Timor-Leste in activities before the country joined the regional bloc, a top ASEAN official said here on Monday.

Secretary General of ASEAN Surin Pitsuwan told the audience of a post-18th ASEAN Summit event that it needs readiness of both Timor-Leste and ASEAN.

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"Timor-Leste needs to strengthen its capacity. Human capacity and human resources in Timor-Leste are part of considerations. Rather than making decision (in the 18th ASEAN Summit), we will take a look at the issue more carefully," said Pitsuwan.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as chair of ASEAN in his closing remarks of the summit said that principally, ASEAN has received Timor Leste's proposal to be the newest member.

"Leaders of ASEAN agreed that in the 19th ASEAN Summit, foreign ministers could submit their recommendation on Timor-Leste and ASEAN readiness," said the president.