3 - 6 September 2019 – Malaysia SOM Leader, H.E. Dato’ Sri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram bin Yaakob and Malaysian Permanent Representative to the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, H.E. Ambassador Kamsiah Kamaruddin visited Timor-Leste to join the other ASEAN SOM and CPR leaders for the ASEAN Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) of Political-Security Committee in Dili. The purpose of the visit was to evaluate and assess Timor-Leste’s readiness to join ASEAN and its compliance with ASEAN’s requirement in the area of political and security. All 10 ASEAN SOM and CPR leaders had fruitful engagements with Timor-Leste prominent leaders; among others, President of Timor-Leste H.E. Dr. Francisco Guterres; President of the National Parliament H.E. Arao Noe de J. da C. Amaral; Prime Minister H.E. Taur Matan Ruak; and former President and Noble Peace Prize laureate H.E. Jose Ramos Horta. The delegation also had meetings with key government institutions; political leaders and development partners throughout the mission. This mission was the first as such since Timor-Leste’s formal submission in joining ASEAN made in March 2011. ASEAN membership bid remains as its top national and strategic priority and will stay optimist to be part of ASEAN big family in the future.
Malaysia SOM and CPR leader also took the opportunity to visit the chancery upon their departure on 6 September 2019.