Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung attends Timor-Leste's 50th independence anniversary and new milestone of joining ASEAN
WVR - On the evening of November 3, in Hanoi, the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Vietnam organized a ceremony to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Timor-Leste's Declaration of Independence (November 28, 1975 - November 28, 2025). Member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung attended and delivered a speech at the ceremony.
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| Timor-Leste Ambassador to Vietnam João Pereira welcomes Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung with a traditional dance performance by the people of Timor-Leste. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
The ceremony took place as Timor-Leste recently became the 11th member of ASEAN, while also marking 23 years of diplomatic relations with Vietnam.
At the ceremony, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung congratulated Timor-Leste on becoming the 11th official member of ASEAN, affirming this as a historic milestone in the development of the ASEAN Community. Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung expressed that Vietnam is proud to welcome a new member to the ASEAN family and believes that Timor-Leste's accession will contribute to strengthening collective power, enhancing solidarity, and elevating ASEAN's position on the international stage.
Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung committed to working with ASEAN countries to enhance coordination and support Timor-Leste in fully meeting the criteria in the integration roadmap and effectively addressing arising issues during this process.
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| Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung congratulates Timor-Leste on becoming the 11th official member of ASEAN. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
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| Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, Timor-Leste Ambassador to Vietnam João Pereira, and Head of the ASEAN Ambassadors in Vietnam Tan Yang Thai celebrate the significance of the event. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung emphasized that Vietnam will continue to accompany, share experiences, and best practices in ASEAN cooperation, contributing to Timor-Leste's comprehensive, solid, and effective integration into the ASEAN family.
At the event, Timor-Leste Ambassador to Vietnam João Pereira expressed honour and gratitude for the presence of the delegates at the anniversary celebration.
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| Timor-Leste Ambassador to Vietnam João Pereira delivers the opening speech at the ceremony. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Emphasizing that joining ASEAN is a dream come true, reflecting the resilient will and hope of the Timor-Leste people, Ambassador João Pereira also noted that for ASEAN, this is a continuation of the vision of a community united by shared values, aspirations, and destiny.
On behalf of the government and people of Timor-Leste, the Ambassador expressed deep gratitude to the member states, the Chair, the Secretariat, and ASEAN partners, affirming that it is the trust, support, and solidarity of the countries that have made this historic milestone possible.
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| Delegates admire Lalok - the traditional betel nut offering ceremony of Timor-Leste. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Ambassador João Pereira stated that this beginning opens up many opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, education, and the digital economy. Timor-Leste is committed to learning, innovating, enhancing governance, and strengthening institutions, working with countries towards sustainable development.
"This is the start of an inspiring new chapter. Timor-Leste will be an active member, accompanying ASEAN in realizing the ASEAN Community Vision - peaceful, prosperous, resilient, and people-centered", the Ambassador shared.
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| Malaysian Ambassador Tan Yang Thai, Head of the ASEAN Ambassadors in Vietnam, speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Attending the ceremony, Head of the ASEAN Ambassadors in Vietnam, Malaysian Ambassador Tan Yang Thai expressed the honour of welcoming ASEAN's newest member.
The Ambassador affirmed that Timor-Leste is not alone on its integration journey; member countries will continue to support Timor-Leste's full and effective participation across all pillars, through substantive cooperation, partnerships among organizations, and shared outcomes to maintain development momentum, bridge gaps, and ensure readiness in line with ASEAN principles.
The ceremony took place in a solemn and sacred atmosphere, serving as an occasion to recall the heroic traditions of the Timor-Leste nation, while affirming the country's determination on the path of sustainable development for a future of peace and prosperity in the region.
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| Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung with ASEAN member ambassadors in Vietnam take a commemorative photo. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
