On 27 October 2025, H.E. Ms. Arjaree Sriratanaban, Ambassador of Thailand to Australia, attended the Commemorative Reception on the Occasion of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), held at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. The event was hosted by H.E. Ms. Inês Maria de Almeida, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Australia, with Senator the Honourable Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, attending as guest of honour.

In her capacity as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Canberra (July–December 2025 term), Ambassador Arjaree extended congratulations to Ambassador Inês Maria de Almeida, the Government of Timor-Leste, and the Timorese people on the occasion of Timor-Leste’s official accession as the 11th member of ASEAN at the ceremony during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on 26 October. She reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s integration into the ASEAN Community and emphasised ASEAN’s determination to work together to maintain regional peace and stability, uphold a rule-based order, advance sustainable and inclusive economic development, and deliver for the mutual benefits of the peoples across the region, while deepening cooperation with external partners.

The Ambassador also highlighted Australia’s long-standing role as a close friend and valued partner of ASEAN. She expressed ASEAN’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Australia to jointly address regional challenges and create opportunities for the region.

On this occasion, Senator the Honourable Penny Wong spoke of ASEAN’s significance to Australia and commended Timor-Leste for its persistent efforts and successful accession to ASEAN. She also reiterated Australia’s continued commitment to supporting ASEAN and Timor-Leste.

Additionally, in their respective remarks, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia and the Ambassador of Timor-Leste expressed their condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.