Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 26 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen urged leaders of ASEAN member countries to speed up the decision to admit Timor-Leste into ASEAN, noting that the country has worked hard to carry out all the requirements set by the ASEAN in line with its Charter.

The premier addressed at the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summit, held Tuesday via video conference under the theme “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper”.

The premier underlined that Timor-Leste has worked hard to meet ASEAN requirements, while her efforts seem overlooked.

Samdech concerned that Timor-Leste is isolated and that can be a problem due to geopolitical competition in Southeast Asia.

Timor-Leste has long applied for ASEAN membership. Timor-Leste became the first new sovereign state on 20 May 2002 and joined the United Nations. In 2011, Timor-Leste announced her intention to be ASEAN member.

Cambodia has voiced full support on and look forward to the inclusion of Timor-Leste as a permanent member of ASEAN.
=FRESH NEWS