Timor-leste and ASEAN

Abstract

This chapter five presents an original chronological view on the sincere will of Timor’s Government to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). East Timor’s Government needs to convince each member state of ASEAN one by one. An earlier bid seems questionable, but the Indonesian ambassador to ASEAN, Rahmat Pramono, expects it in 2018. Joining ASEAN as a member state constitutes the best option for Timor-Leste’s future. Agriculture, education, and tourism are key sectors to develop in showing that the country is progressing and ready to be the 11th ASEAN member state. One single member state, among ten, could prevent Timor-Leste to become the 11th ASEAN nation.