JAKARTA, Jul 20 (NNN-ANTARA) – Timor-Leste is hoping to be able to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), when Indonesia becomes the chair of ASEAN next year, the country’s President, Jose Ramos-Horta said, during his visit to Indonesia yesterday.
Ramos-Horta, who was sworn in as the president of Timor-Leste in May, for the second time, met Indonesian President, Joko Widodo at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java Province.
“We hope (Timor-Leste) can join ASEAN during Indonesia’s leadership,” Ramos-Horta said, during a virtual joint press conference.
Timor-Leste officially applied for membership of ASEAN in 2011. However, Ramos-Horta said that, there are many requirements needed to be fulfilled to become a member.
Ramos-Horta, who is one of Timor-Leste’s founding fathers, previously served as the president in 2007 and 2012.
During the meeting, both leaders reached agreement on cooperation in some sectors, including agriculture, trade and cross-border transportation.– NNN-ANTARA
