Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung attended the event celebrating Timor-Leste's 50th anniversary of independence and a new milestone in joining ASEAN.

On the evening of November 3, in Hanoi, the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Vietnam held a ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Timor-Leste's Declaration of Independence (November 28, 1975 - November 28, 2025). Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung attended and delivered a speech at the ceremony.

Timor-Leste Ambassador to Vietnam João Pereira welcomed Party Central Committee Secretary and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung with a performance of a traditional dance of the country's people. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

The ceremony took place in the context of Timor-Leste becoming the 11th member of ASEAN and celebrating 23 years of establishing diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

At the ceremony, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung congratulated Timor-Leste on becoming the 11th official member of ASEAN, affirming this is a historic milestone in the development process of the ASEAN Community. Minister Le Hoai Trung expressed that Vietnam is proud to welcome a new member to the ASEAN family and believes that Timor-Leste's accession will contribute to consolidating collective strength, enhancing solidarity and enhancing ASEAN's position in the international arena.

Minister Le Hoai Trung pledged to work with ASEAN countries to strengthen coordination and support Timor-Leste to fully complete the criteria in the integration roadmap and effectively handle issues arising during this process.

Party Central Committee Secretary and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung congratulated Timor-Leste on becoming the 11th official member of ASEAN. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Party Central Committee Secretary and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, Timor-Leste Ambassador to Vietnam João Pereira and Head of the ASEAN Ambassadorial Delegation to Vietnam Tan Yang Thai congratulated the significance of the event. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Minister Le Hoai Trung emphasized that Vietnam will continue to accompany, share experiences and good practices in ASEAN cooperation, contributing to helping Timor-Leste soon integrate comprehensively, firmly and effectively into the ASEAN family.

At the event, Timor-Leste Ambassador to Vietnam João Pereira expressed his honor and thanks for the presence of delegates at the celebration.

Timor-Leste Ambassador to Vietnam João Pereira delivered the opening speech at the ceremony. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Emphasizing that joining ASEAN is a dream come true, demonstrating the resilience and hope of the Timor-Leste people, Ambassador João Pereira also said that for ASEAN, this is a step forward in the vision of a community united by values, aspirations and a common destiny.

On behalf of the Government and people of Timor-Leste, the Ambassador expressed deep gratitude to the member states, the Chair, the Secretariat and partners of ASEAN, affirming that it is the trust, support and solidarity of the countries that have made this historic milestone possible.

Delegates admire Lalok - the traditional betel offering ceremony of Timor-Leste. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Ambassador João Pereira said that this initial step opens up many opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, education and the digital economy . Timor-Leste is committed to learning, innovating, strengthening governance and strengthening institutions, working together with other countries towards sustainable development.

“This is the beginning of an inspiring new chapter. Timor-Leste will be an active member, accompanying ASEAN in realizing the ASEAN Community Vision - peaceful, prosperous, resilient and people-centered,” the Ambassador shared.

Malaysian Ambassador Tan Yang Thai, Head of the ASEAN Ambassadorial Delegation to Vietnam, speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Attending the ceremony, Head of the ASEAN Ambassadorial Delegation to Vietnam, Malaysian Ambassador Tan Yang Thai expressed his honor to welcome the newest member of ASEAN.

The Ambassador affirmed that Timor-Leste is not alone on the integration journey; member countries will continue to support Timor-Leste to participate fully and effectively on all pillars, through substantive cooperation, partnerships between organizations and common outcomes to maintain development momentum, narrow the gap and ensure readiness in accordance with ASEAN principles.

The ceremony took place in a solemn and sacred atmosphere, an opportunity to review the heroic traditions of the Timor-Leste people, and at the same time affirm the country's determination on the path of sustainable development, for a peaceful and prosperous future of the region.

Party Central Committee Secretary and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung and Ambassadors of ASEAN member countries to Vietnam pose for a souvenir photo. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bo-truong-ngoai-giao-le-hoai-trung-du-su-kien-timor-leste-ky-niem-50-nam-doc-lap-va-cot-moc-moi-gia-nhap-asean-333254.html