Timorese Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão is taking part in the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila, where political, economic and security priorities in the region will be discussed.
© Reuters
14/11/2026
by
Lusa
O prime Minister Timor, Xanana Gusmão, will be between Sunday and Tuesday at the 49th Summit of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) during which the main political, economic and security priorities of the region will be discussed.
The summit, which is to take place in Manila, concludes the Filipino presidency of ASEAN, which is moving to Singapore during the year 2027.
Under the motto “Navigating Our Future, Together”, topics such as “regional economic integration, digital transformation and energy and food security” will also be discussed during the meeting.
During the summit, the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Digital Economy will be presented to promote digital integration and facilitate economic activities between Member States.
“ ASEAN’s updated symbols, including the emblem and flag of the organisation, are also envisaged to reflect the integration of East Timor as 11th Member State,” the statement notes.
During his stay in Manila, Xanana Gusmão will also participate in ASEAN summits with dialogue partners, including China, South Korea, Australia and the United Nations.
“ These meetings will address political and economic cooperation, sustainable development and regional and international challenges,” the Timorese Government explains.
On Tuesday, the Timorese leader participates in the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, which brings together the member states of the organisation with China, Japan and South Korea, and the summits between ASEAN and Japan and ASEAN and India.
The participation of East Timor in these meetings is part of the process of integration into ASEAN's structures and cooperation mechanisms after full membership of the organisation in October 2025.
Timor-Leste is to assume the rotating presidency of the organisation in 2029.