Dili, Aug. 19, 2026 (Lusa) - The council of ministers of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) on Wednesday encouraged the Timorese presidency of the organisation to explore opportunities for cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In the final communiqué of the 31st ordinary meeting of that CPLP body, the council of ministers recognised this moment as a «milestone for strengthening regional integration» for Timor-Leste, which joined the organisation last October, and for its «growing participation in regional and international affairs».

The final communiqué highlights the «country's potential to contribute to the deepening of cooperation relations» between the two organisations, at a time when Timor-Leste is making preparations to assume the chair of ASEAN in 2029.

In this regard, the CPLP council of ministers encouraged the Timorese presidency, in coordination with the executive secretary, to «explore concrete opportunities for dialogue and cooperation between the CPLP and ASEAN in areas of common interest».

Speaking to journalists at the end of a meeting with the Timorese prime minister, Xanana Gusmão, Portugal's Foreign Minister, Paulo Rangel, said that Timor-Leste's accession to the South-East Asian organisation is a «very important and courageous step».

Paulo Rangel considered that this will require «a great deal of dynamism» in Timor-Leste, but also from all CPLP countries, because they are promoting the Portuguese language and the «peaceful, bridge-building spirit of the CPLP» to that region, which is the «most economically dynamic region in the world».

MSE/ADB // ADB.

Lusa