KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 26 -- Timor-Leste has officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its 11th member.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and other leaders signed the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN during the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings here on Sunday.

Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao said his nation's is ready to be a "constructive, peaceful and devoted" partner in the region.

"Our accession is a testament to the spirit of our people -- a young democracy, born from struggle, now embracing a new era of collaboration and growth within one of the world's most dynamic regions," he said.

"Today, AS...