E. Timor seeks to join ASEAN

E. Timor seeks to join ASEAN

THAILAND: East Timor's Foreign Minister Jose Ramos Horta said Monday he had sought Thailand's support for the fledgling nation to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a visit here.

"We are seeking support from Thailand," he said after meetings with Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra and foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai.

Ramos Horta said it was important for Timor to join the regional bloc and its wider security grouping, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

Ramos Horta has previously said he wants ASEAN membership for East Timor within five years. --AFP