Jakarta. Timor Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak on Tuesday afternoon set foot in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, for the 42nd ASEAN Summit.

Communications Minister Johnny G Plate was already standing by the red-carpeted airstair to greet Ruak. Indonesia also welcomed Ruak —like other leaders— with Manggarai’s tiba meka traditional dance. Ruak also came an hour after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen landed in Labuan Bajo. 

With Ruak ready to take part in the 42nd ASEAN Summit as an observer, Timor Leste’s presence within the Southeast Asian bloc grows. This also marks the first time for Timor Leste to join the ASEAN summit.

In 2022, ASEAN agreed “in principle” to admit Timor Leste as its 11th member.

Earlier today, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi kicked off the 33rd ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) meeting, which also discussed Timor Leste’s full membership. 

“We would like to discuss recommendations for the roadmap for Timor Leste to be a full member of ASEAN. I believe we can endorse this roadmap to assist our brothers and sisters in Timor Leste,” Retno said.

“Rest assured. We are ready to contribute to assist you [Timor Leste] in fulfilling the roadmap,” Retno said. 

Other ASEAN leaders are scheduled to arrive later today. 

According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, all ASEAN leaders —with the exception of Thailand and the strife-torn Myanmar— will attend the 42nd ASEAN Summit. 

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is sitting out the summit because the elections fall on the same week. Chan-o-cha, who is also running for re-election, is sending his deputy prime minister and senior diplomat Don Pramuwidnai to join the ASEAN summit on his behalf. Pramuwidnai already arrived in Labuan Bajo on Monday.

ASEAN has barred the Myanmar junta from attending its high-level meetings after the latter failed to implement the Five Point Consensus.