(Ho Chi Minh City): Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen called on Viet Nam to support Timor-Leste’s bid to become a full member of ASEAN, speaking during his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on 29 April 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen underlined that since receiving observer status in 2022, Timor-Leste has not only actively participated in ASEAN meetings and activities but has also made valuable contributions to discussions on ASEAN community building and regional integration.

He commended Timor-Leste’s efforts in fulfilling six out of seven criteria outlined in the Roadmap for Full ASEAN Membership and noted its ongoing work to accede to the final Instrument of Accession.

Acknowledging Timor-Leste’s dedication and tangible progress, Samdech Techo reaffirmed Cambodia’s full support for Timor-Leste to become a full ASEAN member this year, adding that accession to the remaining instrument can follow thereafter.

Samdech Techo also underscored that Timor-Leste’s membership would enhance ASEAN’s unity and resilience amid global uncertainty, while also accelerating Timor-Leste’s economic development and improving the lives of its people.

It is worth noting that on 29 April 2025, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet also met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who will chair the ASEAN Summit 2025, to discuss Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership bid.
=FRESH NEWS