Leaders from across Southeast Asia and beyond are converging in Kuala Lumpur for the 47th Asean Summit, a biannual gathering that focusses on the bloc’s growing economic and strategic significance. This year’s summit is particularly historic as East Timor joins as ASEAN’s 11th member, expanding the organization for the first time since the 1990s. The summit will see discussions on regional security, economic integration, climate action, and conflict resolution, with participation from global powers including the United States, China, Japan, India, and Australia. East Timor, also known as Timor Leste, was formally inducted into Asean during a ceremonial flag-raising event in Kuala Lumpur. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao called it a “dream realized” for the young nation, emphasizing the o

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