On March 13th, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation hosted the launch of the National Outreach Campaign on the ASEAN Accession Process, entitled “Dalan ba ASEAN” (Road to ASEAN). 
The initiative is the result of cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Ministry of State Administration, and the European Union, aiming to inform and involve the population in the process of Timor-Leste joining ASEAN. According to The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas, “joining ASEAN is a strategic national objective” and an “unwavering commitment to regional integration, cooperation and collective prosperity”. “However, for this membership to be truly meaningful, it must be understood and welcomed by all citizens”. 
The campaign adopts an inclusive approach, involving various stakeholders, including the business sector, social groups, and local communities, to raise awareness about ASEAN throughout the country. “A well-informed society will not only contribute to our nation’s progress but will also ensure that Timor-Leste becomes an active and proud member of the ASEAN family”, emphasised the Minister. 
As part of this campaign, workshops and consultations will be organised with municipal authorities, universities, the private sector, civil society, and central and local government representatives. Close collaboration with the National Parliament is also planned, promoting discussions on the economic, political, socio-cultural and security dimensions in the ASEAN context. “The information gathered through these interactions is invaluable for moulding our policies and institutional reforms, ensuring that we meet the established membership criteria”, the Minister stressed. 
The event was also attended by the European Union Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Marc Fiedrich, who emphasised the European Union’s commitment to supporting the country’s accession to ASEAN. “The European Union firmly supports Timor-Leste’s aspirations to join ASEAN. This partnership represents not only regional integration but also an opportunity for sustainable economic development and increased prosperity for all Timorese citizens”, he said. 
The Malaysian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Amarjit Sarjit Singh, emphasised the importance of the campaign’s inclusive approach, stressing that the process of joining ASEAN must reach and inform the population at the local level, in line with the theme of Malaysia’s current chairmanship of ASEAN, “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay closed the session by reaffirming Timor-Leste’s commitment to ASEAN and its ambition to become its 11th member. “Today’s launch demonstrates our unwavering dedication to becoming a full member of ASEAN. This national campaign will ensure that all Timorese understand the significance and benefits of ASEAN membership for the future of our nation”, he said.
The launch ceremony included a symbolic moment of inauguration of a bus that will be an integral part of the campaign, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, accompanied by Minister Bendito Freitas, Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel and Ambassador Marc Fiedrich.
The event was attended by several members of the 9th Constitutional Government, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, the private sector, civil society, Timorese working groups on the three pillars of ASEAN, and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat and government institutions.
The campaign will be disseminated through various media outlets, including television, radio, print, and social networks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, in coordination with the Ministry of State Administration and the Presidents of Municipal Authorities, will also visit all municipalities throughout the year to ensure that the population has access to essential information about joining ASEAN.