Jakarta, IO – Indonesia says it is ready to help Timor Leste become a full member of ASEAN. Foreign Ministry’s director for Asean cooperation Sidharto Suryodipuro said multiple stages had to be fulfilled by the country to achieve its goals.
“This year we will help Timor Leste become member (of Asean),” said Sidharto, reported Kompas, Tuesday (9/5).
He explained that one of the measures Indonesia would take is to invite 30 East Timorese civil servants to participate in various Indonesian ministries as Indonesia assume its chairmanship this year.
“So, the Timor Leste Ministry of Foreign Affairs will intern at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Timor Leste Ministry of Defense at the Indonesian Ministry of Defense,” he added.
Furthermore, Sidharta said that Timor Leste’s full membership would also be discussed at the bloc’s meeting on Coordinating Council Working Group on Timor-Leste. It has been agreed in principle that the country would become the 11th member at the Phnom Penh summit in November 2022.
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Specifically, the agenda will discuss the roadmap for Timor Leste to become a full member. If the roadmap is agreed upon, it will be brought to the 42nd Asean summit to be adopted and decided. (un)