Indonesia is ready to support the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in its efforts to gain full membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
At a press conference in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, on Monday (May 8), ASEAN Cooperation Director of the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry (MFA) Sidharto Suryodipuro stated that Timor-Leste still needed to go through several stages to gain full membership.
Suryodipuro affirmed that the stages include several agreements or treaties under the political, security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars.
However, he stated that Indonesia was ready to support Timor-Leste to complete all the stages.This is done by inviting its state officials to learn in Indonesia.
“This year, Indonesia plans to help Timor-Leste by inviting 30 state officials to take part in various ministries in Indonesia. This will organize (meetings about) its chairmanship (of ASEAN),” he remarked.
He elaborated further, saying that the 30 Timor-Leste state officials. Including from its MFA. It will take part in internship programs at the Indonesian MFA as well as other ministries.
“We hope that this support will facilitate their efforts. And help them to better comprehend various obligations found in (ASEAN) agreements,” he noted.
Earlier, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November last year, the Southeast Asian leaders had agreed, in principle. It deals to accept Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the bloc.
Furthermore, the ASEAN foreign ministers formed a dedicated working group under the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC). It helps to formulate a road map for the full membership of Timor-Leste.
