ASEAN observing possibility of Timor Leste`s membership: Indonesia`s envoy

The Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members are studying the possibility of Timor Leste joining the organization, according to the Director General for ASEAN Affairs, Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja.

Puja was speaking at an interview here on Wednesday on the sidelines of the preparations for the 25th ASEAN Summit in Nay Pyi Taw (November 12-13).

He observed that the membership of Timor Leste had been a matter of debate among the ASEAN members. He added that each member state was studying Timor Lestes eligibility to join the ASEAN. 

"The process is still continuing," Puja noted.

According to him, the ASEAN has been inviting representatives from Timor Leste to its Regional Forum every year as a measure to encourage that country to participate in discussions related to opportunities and challenges faced by countries in the Southeast Asian region.

The ASEAN currently comprises ten member states, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. ***1***



Reporting by Ageng Wibowo

Translating and Editing by Amie Fenia Arimbi

EDITED BY INE 

Source: ANTARA