KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Asia’s youngest nation East Timor on Sunday became the 11th member of the Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN, fulfilling a vision set out by its current president nearly a half-century ago while under Portuguese rule. Also known as Timor-Leste, the country of 1.4 million people is among Asia’s poorest and hopes to see gains from integrating its fledgling economy, which at about $2 billion represents only a tiny fraction of ASEAN’s collective $3.8 trillion gross domestic product.

Timor Est è entrato ufficialmente a far parte dell'Associazione delle Nazioni del Sud-est Asiatico, l'Asean, come 11/mo membro dopo 14 anni di campagne. (ANSA)

Timor Est è entrato ufficialmente a far parte dell'Associazione delle Nazioni del Sud-est Asiatico, l'Asean, come 11/mo membro dopo 14 anni di campagne. (ANSA)

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao hails membership as beginning of an 'inspiring new chapter' for Asia's youngest nation.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Asia’s youngest nation East Timor on Sunday became the 11th member of the Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN, fulfilling a vision set out by its current president…