Dewangga Pratama

VIVAnews - Timor Leste, the youngest democratic state in the region, has expressed its intention for a membership in ASEAN. However, the ASEAN member countries have yet to give a nod to the proposal.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono nonetheless has showed a gesture of friendship by assuring Timor Leste about, during Indonesia's leadership, getting ASEAN membership next year.

"Indonesia is fully in support of Timor Leste's becoming member of ASEAN," said President Yudhoyono during a session in the Bali Democracy Forum today, Dec 9, in Nusa Dua, Bali.

Yudhoyono said Indonesia will make some approaches to ASEAN member countries to share a spot in the organization. "Timor Leste will be part of ASEAN," said the Indonesian President.

Yudhoyono went on by saying that Timor Leste will eventually achieve the objectives that Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao are going about in a pursuit of democracy.

On the other hand, Xanana in his welcome speech said that Timor Leste's triumph in bringing forth democratic values followed Indonesia's example. He stated that the democracy practiced in Timor Leste was modeled after Indonesia.

"Indonesia has become the reference for Timor Leste in terms of its political institunalization and reform, its adoption over cultural tolerance, its processes of economic development and democracy," said Xanana.

Xanana Gusmao and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono