East Timor joined the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc as its 11th member state on Sunday, after 14 years of campaigning.

Its Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao joined ASEAN leaders for a summit and signing ceremony in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, before posing for photographs together in interlocking arms.

"This is not only a dream realised, but a powerful affirmation of our journey -- one marked by resilience, determination and hope," Gusmao said.

"This is not the end of our journey. This is the beginning of an inspiring new chapter," he added.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country currently chairs ASEAN, said East Timor's accession "completes the ASEAN family -- reaffirming our shared destiny and deep sense of regional kinship".

"Within this

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