Timor-Leste, Asia鈥檚 youngest nation, has joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as its 11th member, marking a step toward deeper regional cooperation and economic integration.
The formal accession was celebrated in Kuala Lumpur, where the Timor-Leste flag was raised alongside those of other ASEAN member states 鈥� symbolising unity, inclusiveness and a shared vision for regional progress, said a press release on Sunday.
Kutubuddin Ahmed, the honorary consul of Timor-Leste in Dhaka, welcomed the news with optimism, emphasising its broader significance for regional partnerships.
鈥楾imor-Leste鈥檚 entry into ASEAN marks not only a victory for its people but also a new era of opportunity for countries like Bangladesh to strengthen their engagement with Southeast Asia,鈥� said Ahmed.
鈥業 look forward to fostering closer economic and cultural ties between our two nations and helping position Bangladesh as a valuable partner in Timor-Leste鈥檚 growth story,鈥� he added.
Kutubuddin Ahmed, an industrialist and chairman of Envoy Textiles and the Sheltech Group, has been a strong advocate for building strategic economic bridges between Bangladesh and emerging Asian markets.
He believes Timor-Leste鈥檚 membership in ASEAN will amplify avenues for trade, investment, and collaboration across multiple sectors 鈥� particularly textiles, construction, infrastructure and education.
Since his appointment as honorary consul, Kutubuddin Ahmed has worked to promote Bangladesh鈥檚 expertise in industrial development and sustainable manufacturing within Timor-Leste.
For Bangladesh, Timor-Leste鈥檚 ASEAN membership opens new avenues for collaboration with one of Southeast Asia鈥檚 most promising emerging economies.
The growing bilateral relationship between Dhaka and Dili is expected to expand through trade, investment and development cooperation.
