Kao Kim Hourn: Timor Leste is ready to assume ASEAN chairmanship in 2029

Jakarta (ANTARA) - ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn has stated that Timor Leste has expressed its readiness to hold the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN in 2029.

“The leaders expressed appreciation for Timor Leste’s readiness to lead ASEAN in 2029,” said Secretary-General Kao at a press conference on the outcomes of the 48th ASEAN Summit at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Monday.

Kao conveyed that the transition process for Timor Leste as a full member of ASEAN, following its official status as a full member in 2025, has progressed very well to date.

The ASEAN leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting and ensuring Timor Leste’s position as a full member of the organisation through various ongoing initiatives, he said.

As a commitment to ASEAN’s collective acceptance of Timor Leste, Secretary-General Kao revealed that at the previous 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, the Southeast Asian leaders agreed to the Cebu Protocol to amend the ASEAN Charter.

This first amendment to the ASEAN Charter since its adoption in 2007 is necessary because ASEAN is accepting Timor Leste as its newest full member, he said.

“This is the first time the leaders have decided to amend the ASEAN Charter. This step is necessary to accommodate Timor Leste’s accession as a full member,” the ASEAN Secretary-General explained.

Kao also stated that Timor Leste’s joining demonstrates that ASEAN continues to evolve “as a stronger, more inclusive, and richer community”.

Timor Leste officially became the 11th full member of ASEAN at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 26 October 2025.

Meanwhile, in his political speech on Timor Leste’s policies after becoming a full ASEAN member in Jakarta in December 2025, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao stated that accession to ASEAN marks a new chapter in his country’s economic growth.

“Integration with the ASEAN economy will open up great opportunities for our people, supporting investment, development, and job creation,” said Xanana, while highlighting the demographic potential in Timor Leste with 60 per cent of its youth under 30 years old.

In preparation for the ASEAN chairmanship in 2029, Timor Leste is known to have established the National Council for the Organisation of the ASEAN Chairmanship (ACNOC), with the inaugural meeting of this preparatory body held in February 2026.