Asean countries to vet Timor-Leste’s membership bid

BANGKOK, Thailand — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will send fact-finding missions to Timor-Leste in connection with the country’s bid for membership in the regional bloc, according to Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha.

“We were pleased to note the progress made on the consideration of Timor-Leste’s application for Asean membership …” Prayut said in a statement at the end of the 34th Asean Summit.

Timor-Leste’s application for membership has been pending since 2011.

The Philippines supports Timor-Leste’s bid to become part of Asean, but other members object on the ground that it is not yet developed enough to fulfill its obligations as part of the regional bloc. —Leila B. Salaverria