East Timor joins ASEAN after 14-year wait

ByEnigma 808

East Timor joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Sunday as its 11th member after waiting 14 years for admission. Leaders formalized the addition at their annual summit in Kuala Lumpur, where the nation’s flag took its place among those of existing members.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao called the moment historic for his country of 1.4 million people. President Jose Ramos-Horta first proposed membership in the 1970s while the territory remained under Portuguese control. The nation gained full independence in 2002 after centuries of colonial rule and Indonesian occupation.

The country’s $2 billion economy accounts for a small share of the bloc’s $3.8 trillion combined output. Ramos-Horta told CNA in September that his government would focus on stability and could share lessons from its experience with conflict resolution. He emphasized the importance of dialogue in addressing regional disputes.

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    Besides writing and being a content creator, Enigma 808 sometimes likes to watch paint dry on walls, listening to ASMR while timing snails racing. Such is life.