- 2002; Timor-Leste was recognized as an observer of ASEAN and joined the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2005.
- 2005, Timor-Leste certified its aspiration to be a full member of ASEAN by 2010;
- In January 2007, the country acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, pledging to renounce the use of force and non-interference in the internal affairs of ASEAN member states.
- On 4 March 2011, Timor-Leste officially submitted its membership application to ASEAN.
- In 2012-2017, the 5th Constitutional Government integrated the Secretary of State for ASEAN Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Roberto Soares. It is the competence of the Secretary of State for ASEAN Affairs to plan and execute the preparation for the accession of Timor-Leste to the Organization of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and ensure the representation of the country in its meetings and activities.
- Under the Secretary of State of ASEAN Affairs, several programs have been held including ASEAN Tour, Advocacy to all municipalities in Timor-Leste, media interactive and writing competition regarding Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN (2012-2017).
- In 2013, H.E. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and delegation visited ASEAN Member States with the aim to show Timor-Leste’s seriousness and readiness to join ASEAN.
- In 2013, the Secretary of State of ASEAN Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Roberto Soares held regular Diplomatic briefings to all Diplomatic corps accredited to Timor-Leste to update on external policy of Timor-Leste, especially the efforts of Timor-Leste to join ASEAN.
- In 2016-2017, Timor-Leste established Embassies in all ASEAN capitals.
- In 2019, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by H.E. Mr. Dionisio Babo organized the 2nd ASEAN Tour to ASEAN Member States with the aim to update Timor-Leste’s accession processes and seek response from AMS.
- In July 2019, Timor-Leste delegation composed by the officials from the relevant institutions (the Economic Core Team) visited ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, with the aim to discuss various important issues, which include ASEAN institutional framework and organic structure, decision-making body and processes, legal instruments and agreements, and technical cooperation.
- In March 2019, establishment of a framework for mapping all ASEAN agreements and initiatives across our Government agencies, to allow for full participation in ASEAN work programs, called the Timor-Leste ASEAN Mobilization Plan (or “TLAMP”).
- A well-advanced program to identify, understand and prepare for signature, ratification and implementation of ‘critical’ ASEAN agreements across the three communities – economic, political, security and socio-cultural, which we call the “Critical Elements for Accession” (2019)
- In July, 2021, the Prime Minister and the relevant ministers and national leader launched a “Capacity Support Report” for regional economic integration for ASEAN, WTO, EPA (Economic Partnership Agreements) and Bilateral FTAs.
- In 2020/2021, Completed the ASEAN Fact Finding Mission Questionnaires that related to; ASEAN Political Security Community Pillar Cooperation requirements; and have been provided by ASEAN 88 non-making policy activities for Timor-Leste to participate, which covers the following areas:
- ASEAN PSC Security Cooperation activities;
- External Relations matters;
- Human Rights initiatives; and
- Legal Cooperation.
- In September 2020, completed the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Pillar Fact-Finding questionnaire.