Timor-Leste’s ASEAN admission “reflects the strength of its democracy, built through regular elections, peaceful political transitions and a vibrant civil society that continues to hold institutions accountable,” Lin says. Timor-Leste, Southeast Asia’s smallest economy, is now ASEAN’s newest member.

The former Portuguese colony, once called East Timor, has come a long way since 2002, when it gained independence from Indonesia after 24 years of brutal occupation. Back then Timor-Leste had “no economy to speak of,

The country’s admission caps off a 14-year journey toward accession, but also presents new challenges for the Southeast Asian bloc.

President Donald Trump, during his trip to Asia, will participate in the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia before making stops in Japan and South Korea.

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says Washington’s commitment to ASEAN remains strong. But details of new US tariffs, especially on key sectors like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals are still unclear.

East Timor has been formally admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the group’s first expansion since the 1990s

The president will kick off his Asia tour in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Oct. 26 where he will participate in the 47th ASEAN Summit.

The meetings took place on the first day of the 47th Asean Summit in the Malaysian capital. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Asia-Pacific leaders to prioritize dialogue and cooperation over confrontation.