Honorable Chair Excellencies Ministers, Distinguished delegates, 1. At the outset, allow me to join previous speakers, expressing my sincere gratitude to the Government of Lao PDR for the hospitality extended to Timor-Lesteโs delegation and congratulate LAO PDR for the excellent arrangements of this meeting. 2. Timor-Leste would like to congratulate Lao PDR for assuming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024 and support the chairmanship theme ASEAN: โEnhancing Connectivity and Resilienceโ.
3. I would also take this opportunity to commend to Indonesia, good friend and sister โIbu Mentri Retno for the successful chairmanship in 2023, and we noted with special appreciation for significant progress made and support on Timor-Lesteโs membership in ASEAN.
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4. Timor-Leste values the insights shared during the opening session which have significantly contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the regional priorities and challenges.
We commend the diligence of the Lao PDR in steering the discussions and support the 9th priorities of the Lao PDR's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024 as mentioned in Document 5 of today's agenda.
5. Timor-Leste is honored to participate and observe the whole discussion on external relations and the exchange of views on regional and international issues in "an optic of constructive engagement and dialogue".
The perspectives shared by ASEAN Member States have been invaluable elements, and solidifying our commitment to regional cooperation and shared prosperity.
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7. Timor-Leste remains committed to implement the seven criteria outlined in the roadmap for our country's full membership in ASEAN and will continue to work closely with the ASEAN Secretariat on the implementation of the roadmap.
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8. On Myanmar, Timor-Leste appreciates the report of the special envoy to Myanmar, DR. Alenkeo and support the voices of asean member states on this issue.
9. I would like to share that Timor-Leste, alongside other acceding countries, will join the WTO during the upcoming 13th ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi. We anticipate that our WTO membership will enhance our compliance with certain Asean Economic Community pillars. Our Gratitude extended to ASEAN member states for your invaluable support during negotiations and througtout the seven working party meetings.
10. To conclude, once again, Timor-Leste extends its gratitude for all the ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Dialogue and Development Partners, ASEAN Secretariat through the Secretary General DR Kao, for its continued support to enhance our readiness to embrace the responsibilities of ASEAN membership.
TIMOR-LESTE highly appreciate with gratitude and recognition all statements expressed by Your Excellencies at this ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat in this beautiful city of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, in support of Timor-Leste's capacity building at all levels to meet our final expected goal, to be a full member of ASEAN.
Thank you Excellencies. Thank you brothers and sisters.