Celebration of Timor-Leste's 50th Anniversary of Independence and Milestone of ASEAN Accession

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), the 23rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Timor-Leste (July 28, 2002 - July 28, 2025); and celebrate Timor-Leste becoming the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Delegates take a group photo at the ceremony.

Attending and speaking at the ceremony, on behalf of the Government and people of Vietnam, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung congratulated Timor-Leste on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence; emphasizing that up to now, Timor-Leste has made rapid development steps and deep international integration; is a multicultural country, a convergence of many ethnicities and diverse cultures.

According to the Minister, since establishing diplomatic relations in 2002, Vietnam and Timor-Leste have always maintained sincere friendship, increasing trust and good development in many fields. Although the two countries are geographically far apart, they are close emotionally, sharing the same aspirations for peace , independence, development and integration.

“We have the right to be proud when looking back over the past two decades: cooperation between Vietnam and Timor-Leste has been continuously expanded, bringing practical benefits to the people of the two countries,” the Minister emphasized.

Vietnamese enterprises, typically Telemor ( Viettel ), have become vivid symbols of friendship and effective cooperation, helping to connect the people of Timor-Leste in the digital age, creating jobs and contributing significantly to the national budget. Many Timor-Leste students have chosen Vietnam as their study destination, becoming bridges of friendship between the two nations.

Minister Le Hoai Trung said that Vietnam will soon establish a Vietnamese Embassy in Timor-Leste, serving as a bridge for efforts to further deepen cooperation between the two countries.

On this occasion, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung congratulated Timor-Leste on becoming the 11th member of ASEAN – a historic milestone in the development of the ASEAN Community. Vietnam is proud to have a new member in the ASEAN family.

Minister Le Hoai Trung expressed his belief that Timor-Leste's accession will contribute to consolidating collective strength, enhancing solidarity and raising ASEAN's position in the international arena.

Minister Le Hoai Trung affirmed that Vietnam is committed to working with ASEAN countries to strengthen coordination and support Timor-Leste to fully complete the criteria in the Roadmap to become an official member of ASEAN, and effectively handle issues arising during the integration process.

Speaking at the ceremony, Timor-Leste Ambassador to Vietnam João Pereira said that for the people of Timor-Leste, joining ASEAN has turned a dream into reality, and is a strong affirmation of the resilience, determination and hope of the Timor-Leste people. For ASEAN, this is the continuation of a vision: a truly united family of nations, bound together by common values, common aspirations and common destiny.

On behalf of the Government and people of Timor-Leste, Ambassador João Pereira would like to express his deepest gratitude to all ASEAN member states, the Chair of ASEAN, the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN partners. The trust, encouragement and strong solidarity of the member states have made history today.

Ambassador João Pereira shared that this new beginning brings great opportunities in terms of trade, investment, education and digital economy. Timor-Leste is ready to learn, innovate and maintain good governance, strengthen institutions, and work together towards sustainable development.

“This is the beginning of an inspiring new chapter. Timor-Leste will be an active contributor together with ASEAN members to promote the ASEAN Community Vision – a peaceful, prosperous, resilient and people-centered ASEAN,” said Timor-Leste Ambassador João Pereira.

Attending the ceremony, Head of the ASEAN Ambassadorial Delegation to Vietnam, Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Tan Yang Thai was honored to welcome the newest member to ASEAN. Ambassador Tan Yang Thai affirmed that member countries will continue to support Timor-Leste's full and effective participation in all pillars - through practical cooperation, partnerships between organizations and common outcomes to maintain the momentum of development, narrow the remaining gaps and ensure readiness in accordance with ASEAN principles.

The ceremony took place in a solemn atmosphere, demonstrating the determination of the Timor-Leste people on the path of sustainable development, for a peaceful and prosperous future of the region.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/le-ky-niem-50-nam-ngay-tuyen-bo-doc-lap-cua-timorleste-va-cot-moc-gia-nhap-asean-20251103220733890.htm