From April 1^st to 4^th, 2024, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, paid an official visit to Timor-Leste. This visit was marked by a series of official meetings, a discussion session with Government members, and the launch of the “Future Leaders of ASEAN” Programme. 

During his stay, the Secretary-General paid courtesy visits to the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, the President of the National Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay, the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL), Jorge Serrano.

On April 2^nd, 2024, the Vice Prime Minister, Francisco Kalbuady Lay, opened the discussion session between the Government members and the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, with the theme “Timor-Leste’s Struggle for Full ASEAN Membership and the Role of the ASEAN Secretariat”. The Vice Prime Minister, Mariano Assanami Sabino and members of the 9th Constitutional Government took part in the discussion session, moderated by the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Rangel. 

On the same day, the ASEAN Secretary-General met with the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, in a meeting where they discussed Timor-Leste’s ongoing preparations for full membership of ASEAN. The Prime Minister thanked Kao Kim Hourn for his presence and the support of the ASEAN Secretariat on this journey. Kao Kim Hourn reiterated his willingness to continue to provide all the necessary support in this process, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by Timor-Leste in its preparation, and also called on all ASEAN nations to continue to support Timor-Leste in its preparation so that membership can be achieved as soon as possible. 

On April 3^rd, 2024, the ASEAN Secretary-General participated in the launch of the “Future Leaders for ASEAN” Programme, a 14-month leadership programme for young and future leaders of Timor-Leste, promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation through the Office of the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs.

The “Future Leaders for ASEAN” Programme aims to develop the capacity of young Timorese leaders, aged between 23 and 37, regarding their understanding of ASEAN and their contribution to Timor-Leste’s development agenda in the context of regional integration. The first group includes 100 young people from different sectors of Timorese society.