East Timor PM says state is 'ready' to become ASEAN member: Mainichi interview

East Timor -- The prime minister of East Timor, Rui Maria de Araujo, said the country is "ready to become a member," with regard to the state's aim to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in a recent interview with the Mainichi Shimbun.

Furthermore, as the prime minister reflected on the state's recent history including provisional rule under the United Nations and independence from Indonesia in 2002, he commented, "(With regard to) human rights, peace, democracy and so on... these are the things we can bring (to) the table to share our experience with other countries" -- emphasizing that despite its small size, East Timor is able to contribute to ASEAN.

However, as ASEAN marks its 50th anniversary this year, it is uncertain whether all 10 member nations will recognize East Timor's accession to the association. Full story here: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170803/p2a/00m/0na/010000c