Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has called on all ASEAN leaders to support Timor-Leste to become a full member of ASEAN, stressing that Timor-Leste deserves full membership rather than continued observer status.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen made this call duringhis keynote address on Cambodia–Timor-Leste relations at the National Parliament of Timor-Leste.on Cambodia-Timor-Leste relations at the Timor-Leste National Assembly, on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen added that, compared to Cambodia’s status when it joined ASEAN in 1999, Timor-Leste is in a significantly better position. At the time of Cambodia’s accession, its per capita income was only US$281, whereas Timor-Leste today has a per capita income of US$ 1,453.

The Cambodian Senate President further said that in terms of social conditions and human resources, Timor-Leste surpasses Cambodia's 1999 situation, making any continued delay in its ASEAN membership unjustifiable.

The President of Cambodian Senate also expressed his hope that all ASEAN leaders will support Timor-Leste to become a full member of ASEAN, noting that the country has been waiting for more than 10 years since submitting its application.

By Mr Pheara