JAKARTA \u2013 Timor-Leste\u2019s participation in the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026 underscores its growing integration into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and opens new opportunities for cooperation with regional partners, according to Beni Sukadis, senior coordinator at Indonesia\u2019s Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (Lesperssi).
Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency’s resident correspondent in Jakarta ahead of Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusm\u00e3o\u2019s official visit to Vi\u1ec7t Nam and attendance at the third AFF in H\u00e0 N\u1ed9i from June 7 to 10, Sukadis said the forum provides a valuable platform for Timor-Leste to strengthen engagement with ASEAN member states, gain deeper insights into regional cooperation frameworks and accelerate its integration into the bloc.
He noted that the event, which will bring together regional leaders, policymakers and experts, will also allow Timor-Leste to contribute its perspectives on issues shaping ASEAN\u2019s future. Its active involvement reflects the bloc\u2019s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and cohesive community, he added.
According to Sukadis, greater participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms will not only facilitate Timor-Leste\u2019s integration, but also enrich regional discussions with fresh viewpoints from one of Southeast Asia\u2019s youngest nations.
As for bilateral relations, he said Vi\u1ec7t Nam\u2019s longstanding support for Timor-Leste\u2019s ASEAN membership has laid a solid foundation for expanding cooperation between the two countries.
He highlighted strong prospects for collaboration in trade, investment, agriculture, education, workforce development and maritime security. Vi\u1ec7t Nam\u2019s experience in economic reform and regional integration could help Timor-Leste strengthen governance, build institutional capacity and effectively implement ASEAN’s commitments.
Sukadis also pointed to the importance of expanding business connectivity, people-to-people exchanges and training partnerships to translate political goodwill into tangible outcomes. Vi\u1ec7t Nam\u2019s willingness to share development experience and support capacity-building efforts could help Timor-Leste engage more effectively in ASEAN’s cooperation programmes while contributing to efforts to narrow development gaps across the region.
The Indonesian analyst described Timor-Leste\u2019s accession as a positive step for ASEAN, enhancing both the bloc\u2019s unity and credibility. Although the country has a relatively small economy and population, its strategic location along maritime routes connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans gives it significant geopolitical relevance. Its full integration into ASEAN is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and political cohesion, he said.
Amid intensifying competition among major powers, Sukadis argued that ASEAN\u2019s continued expansion and inclusiveness will reinforce its central role in the evolving regional order. While Timor-Leste\u2019s membership may not immediately create changes in the regional power balance, its successful integration could strengthen ASEAN’s centrality, improve regional resilience and support a stable, rules-based and cooperative regional environment.
He added that Timor-Leste\u2019s inclusion would also enhance ASEAN\u2019s ability to address both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, further underscoring the bloc\u2019s role as Southeast Asia\u2019s leading platform for regional cooperation in a rapidly changing strategic landscape. VNA\/VNS
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