Government of Timor-Leste

On July 15th , 2025, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão delivered a lecture at the Pan Pacific Singapore, part of the RSIS Distinguished Public Lecture series, entitled “Timor-Leste and ASEAN: “a new chapter in the history of the region.” The event, organized by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University, brought together academics, public policy experts and students to debate Timor-Leste's role in the regional and global context. 

In his speech, Xanana Gusmão gave a wide-ranging reflection on geopolitical changes, the challenges of a “world of disorder” and Timor-Leste's aspirations as a future full member of ASEAN.  He recalled the lecture he gave on his last visit to Singapore, in 2013, where he reflected “on the motto of the RSIS - ‘ponder the improbable’” and on the “improbable journey of the Timorese people: from centuries of colonial rule, through occupation and resistance, to independence and development based on peace.”  He added that, twelve years later, he is returning “not to recount our past, but to share how Timor-Leste sees the future of our region and how we can contribute to it”. 

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of ASEAN as a pillar of regional stability in a world marked by great changes and challenges: “This is not a ‘new world order’, but a ‘world of disorder’.” “In this world, ASEAN is more important than ever.”   He also highlighted the regional bloc's role in transforming Southeast Asia from “a once divided region into one of the most stable and cooperative in the world.”   He also referred to the fact that “ASEAN is not just an institution, it is a manifestation of a regional culture of cooperation – one that has allowed countries with different histories, political systems and levels of development to sit at the same table and work together.” 

He reaffirmed Timor-Leste's “deep respect for the principles of ASEAN as set out in the ASEAN Charter” and stressed that these “its core principles — non-interference, consensus, peaceful resolution of disputes and mutual respect — have provided a basis for trust between very different nations.” He also emphasized that Timor-Leste “sees ASEAN as a community of nations committed to peace, mutual respect and shared progress”, stressing that, “as Timor-Leste has learned the hard way”, “there can be no development without peace and there can be no peace without development”. 

 Xanana Gusmão praised Singapore as “a unique example of national development - building a modern, high-income economy through strategic leadership, a long-term vision and a deep commitment to social cohesion.” He added that "as a fellow small state, Timor-Leste is inspired by this example. We may not share all of Singapore's strengths, but we share its need to be resilient, to navigate change and to speak with purpose in an unpredictable world."

On national developments since independence, the Head of Government recalled that  Timor-Leste “has strengthened our institution of States, built infrastructure across our country and developed State capacity to meet the needs of our people,” while at the same time “secured peace and building a liberal democracy - with an open economy, a free society and a firm commitment to human rights and the rule of law.” 

He reiterated that “Timor-Leste seeks full membership of ASEAN with a strong sense of responsibility — and a deep sense of belonging”, seeing itself “not as strangers joining a club, but as Southeast Asians formally joining a regional family.” He also said that for Timor-Leste, joining ASEAN is not a destination — it is not an end in itself. It is a framework for regional peace and prosperity that we want to contribute to - and defend". 

During the dialog that followed the lecture, the Prime Minister answered questions about the country's economic challenges and Timor-Leste's integration into ASEAN. He identified the development of human capital as a priority for economic transformation:  "The main challenge we face is the development of human resources. Without a clear vision and an empowered population, progress will be limited.    We are investing in education at all levels - from elementary school to university - to prepare our people for the future."  Questioned about the free movement of people within ASEAN, he explained that Timor-Leste is in the final stages of negotiation of agreements relating to trade in goods and services, investment and the mobility of citizens, in line with the commitments recently made when joining the World Trade Organization and allowing Timor-Leste to enter ASEAN as a well-prepared and fully contributing member. 

At the end of his speech, Xanana Gusmão highlighted Timor-Leste's commitment to active and constructive participation within ASEAN:   “Timor-Leste seeks to join ASEAN with a deep sense of responsibility and a great sense of optimism. We do so not to be alone, but to be with others - to work together, speak together and grow together.” Our hope is simple: that the next chapter in the history of Southeast Asia will be written by all of us — in common purpose, and a shared belief in peace, dignity and the power of regional solidarity."