DILI, Timor-Leste: Timor-Leste is slated to become the 11th member of the ASEAN regional bloc in October, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday (Sep 23) during a visit to the Southeast Asian nation. Timor-Leste is the youngest country in the region, having gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 after 24 years of occupation. Loading Loading"We will certainly have a big celebration for your accession to ASEAN in October 2025," he said. He is also scheduled to meet with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao during his visit. President Jose Ramos-Horta has long campaigned for ASEAN membership, and an application was first submitted in 2011.