NAYPYITAW, Myanmar – July 25, 2025 – Timor-Leste is actively pursuing Myanmar’s support for its bid to become a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This effort was highlighted by a meeting on July 24 between Mr. Olandino Ruide Andrade, Chargé d’affaires of the Timor-Leste Embassy in Yangon, and Myanmar’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, U Ko Ko Kyaw, in Naypyitaw.
During their discussions, Mr. Andrade emphasized Timor-Leste’s desire to foster good relations with all ASEAN member states, including Myanmar. He underscored that Timor-Leste seeks the full encouragement and backing of all current ASEAN members for its accession. According to a statement released by Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC), Mr. Andrade assured Deputy Minister U Ko Ko Kyaw that Timor-Leste is committed to upholding all provisions of the ASEAN Charter.
He also conveyed Timor-Leste’s eagerness to enhance friendly relations between the two countries and extended a request for Myanmar to establish an embassy in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste.
In response, Deputy Minister U Ko Ko Kyaw stressed the importance of Timor-Leste’s efforts to align with the ASEAN Charter during its membership pursuit. He also highlighted the necessity of non-interference in the internal affairs of a member state.
The Deputy Minister expressed Myanmar’s pleasure in learning of Timor-Leste’s desire to strengthen bilateral ties. He noted that Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister has expressed interest in visiting Myanmar. U Ko Ko Kyaw reaffirmed Myanmar’s active participation in ASEAN community-building initiatives and its commitment to the leadership of the ASEAN Chair, consistent with its foreign policy.
The SAC statement further reported that Deputy Minister U Ko Ko Kyaw mentioned a recent constructive discussion between the Myanmar delegation and Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and associated gatherings, where both parties explored avenues for improving bilateral relations.
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