However, Ramos admitted that there were still many requirements that his country had to fulfil before being accepted into the bloc. One of the crucial ones is to “function” the country’s economy and democracy.
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Timor Leste has applied to become a member of ASEAN since 2011. Indonesia has been supportive of its endeavor. In 2020, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said three fact-finding teams had been sent to visit and assess Timor Leste’s eligibility. (un)