THE ongoing 51st Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Singapore yesterday acknowledged Timor-Leste’s application for Asean membership, and the need to expedite the process.

In a joint communiqué, the 10-nation bloc said it looks forward to the continued discussion and report by the Asean Coordinating Council Working Group on the matter.

“We urge Asean sectoral bodies and organs to continue exploring relevant capacity-building activities for Timor-Leste’s participation, in accordance with the elements and procedures outlined by Asean member states.”

Timor-Leste’s process of accession to Asean began following the nation’s independence in 2002.

That year, it was recognised as an Asean observer. It joined the Asean Regional Forum in 2005, before officially applying for membership on March 4, 2011. – Bernama, August 3, 2018.