PHNOM PENH: The Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Cambodia has expressed happiness that ASEAN leaders have accepted Timor-Leste, in principle, as the 11th member of ASEAN.

Speaking with EAC News over the phone, Timor-Leste Ambassador Ermenegildo Kupa Lopes said he is looking forward to working on the road map to becoming a full member during the ASEAN summit next year in Indonesia.  

Under the latest announcement by ASEAN leaders accepting Timor-Leste “in-principle” as the 11th member of the bloc, the island nation will be granted observer status, meaning that Timor-Leste will be allowed to participate in all ASEAN Meetings, including at the Summit plenaries.

Ambassador Lopes informed EAC News that he will be attending the gala dinner tonight organized by Prime Minister Hun Sen for all ASEAN leaders, marking his first time attending an ASEAN event. The Ambassador said he is very satisfied with the outcomes of the summits so far and is looking forward to attending as a soon-to-be official ASEAN member. 

Ambassador Lopes mentioned that he will also be attending the ASEAN Summit's closing ceremony tomorrow.