Timor Leste eager to join ASEAN

Timor Leste eager to join ASEAN

AUSTRALIA: Timor Leste President Xanana Gusmao said his tiny impoverished country was eager to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"We place a high priority on becoming a member of ASEAN," Xanana said during an official visit to Australia's capital, Canberra, on Tuesday.

East Timor gained independence from ASEAN member Indonesia following a UN-sponsored referendum in 1999 that was marred by violent rampages by Jakarta-backed militias, and is considered one of the world's poorest nations.

Australia is also seeking closer economic links with the regional group.

Xanana, who was to meet Prime Minister John Howard in Sydney on Wednesday, said his half-island nation, which lies just to the north of Australia, wanted to strengthen its ties with Canberra and Jakarta. -- AP