AKP Phnom Penh, October 26, 2025 --

Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, has extended his congratulation to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on its official admission as the 11th member of ASEAN. 

“On this historic day of Timor-Leste's formal accession to ASEAN, on behalf of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia and on my own behalf, may I take this opportunity to offer our warmest welcome and most sincere congratulations to Your Excellency, the Government, and the friendly people of your nation for this well-deserved achievement,” he wrote on Oct. 26 in a congratulatory message to H.E. José Manuel Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste.

Cambodia is delighted to have Timor-Leste as part of the ASEAN Family and has always taken pride in having stood as a steadfast friend and partner throughout this journey, marked notably by the in-principle admission of Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN adopted at the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits in Cambodia, he underlined. 

In today's increasingly complex global landscape, Samdech Techo continued, Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN serves as a timely and valuable reinforcement of the Association's unity. “As our region faces pressing domestic, regional, and international challenges, Timor-Leste's active participation and principled voice will contribute meaningfully to realising our shared vision of a peaceful, resilient, harmonious, and prosperous region,” he added. 

The Senate President is convinced that Timor-Leste and Cambodia's bonds of friendship will continue to grow even stronger, now further anchored by their shared membership in ASEAN. 

“I look forward to working closely with Your Excellency to advance our common goals of sustainable development and enduring prosperity for our two nations and the ASEAN Community,” he concluded. 

By Heng Panha