Singapore – Singapore has pledged to deepen its support for Timor-Leste as the Southeast Asian nation prepares to become ASEAN’s 11th full member.
On July 14, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the launch of the enhanced Singapore-Timor-Leste ASEAN Readiness Support (eStars) package at a luncheon held in honor of Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. The initiative builds upon the original STARS program introduced in 2022 and will run until December 2028.
The eStars package is designed to provide targeted capacity-building assistance, helping Timor-Leste fulfill technical and policy requirements needed to integrate into ASEAN’s economic and institutional frameworks. It will also include leadership development programs, scholarships for emerging leaders, and training aligned with the country’s national development priorities.
“Timor-Leste’s upcoming accession to ASEAN is a significant milestone — both for your country and for ASEAN,” PM Wong said. “Singapore looks forward to welcoming you warmly to the ASEAN family. And we will continue to stand with you on this journey.”
Mr Gusmao, who is making his first official visit to Singapore in over a decade, received a ceremonial welcome before meeting with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Wong. During his remarks at the Pan Pacific Hotel, he expressed deep appreciation for Singapore’s longstanding partnership.
He emphasized the tangible impact of Singapore’s training programs, particularly those aimed at civil servants. “This cooperation is measured not in words, but in actions,” said Mr Gusmao, praising the direct support his country has received in areas such as policy writing and negotiation skills.
Timor-Leste, home to 1.3 million people, formally applied to join ASEAN in 2011 and received in-principle approval in 2022. Full accession is expected to be finalized during the 47th ASEAN Summit in October.
PM Wong highlighted Mr Gusmao’s personal role in Timor-Leste’s history — from the fight for independence to national unification and early state-building efforts. He also recalled Singapore’s solidarity in the past, noting the country’s involvement in the 1999 Australian-led peacekeeping mission prior to Timor-Leste’s independence.
“Singapore is proud to be your partner,” PM Wong said.
