AKP Phnom Penh, July 16, 2025 --

Honourable Maria Fernanda Lay, Speaker of the National Parliament of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, delivered a heartfelt and visionary address on Tuesday during the Opening Ceremony of the 16th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Caucus hosted by the Cambodian National Assembly.

She reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to ASEAN integration and thanked the host country, Cambodia, before an audience of approximately 350 delegates, including representatives from AIPA Member and Observer Parliaments, the ASEAN Secretariat, and senior officials of Cambodia’s National Assembly.

In her remarks, Hon. Maria Fernanda Lay recalled the words of her father — “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together” — as a guiding principle of Timor-Leste’s foreign policy and a reflection of the country’s readiness to embrace a collective path forward with the ASEAN family.

“Today, we have chosen to go further,” she said. “We have chosen the far horizon, and that is why we seek this membership—we seek partnership in ASEAN, with all those around us.”

Reflecting on the remarkable transformations across the ASEAN region, the Timorese Speaker paid tribute to each Member State’s progress and acknowledged Cambodia’s inspirational journey.

“This Cambodia that embraces us today has risen from the ashes like a fabulous phoenix,” she noted.

Madam Speaker spoke of Timor-Leste’s achievements since regaining independence in 2002, including efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, maintain peace, and promote socio-economic growth. She said Timor-Leste had received valuable support from the international community, including ASEAN Member States, and now stood ready to contribute.

She emphasised that Timor-Leste now stands ready to contribute. “We place our youth, our energy, our strong spirit at your service. We offer our special experience as a nation that has built freedom with its own hands—twice,” she stated.

Hon. Maria Fernanda Lay particularly recalled the historic visit of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen to Dili, describing it as a powerful expression of ASEAN solidarity and friendship.

“Those days will forever be engraved in the memory of our parliament—when a statesman of global stature crossed oceans to tell us, with gestures that speak louder than words, that Timor-Leste belongs in this family,” she said.

With optimism and resolve, Hon. Maria Fernanda Lay concluded, “Our time is now. Our future is shared.”

The 16th AIPA Caucus was held in Phnom Penh under the theme “Peace Through Dialogue: The Parliamentary Path Forward,” and marks a significant milestone for Timor-Leste as it continues its accession process into the ASEAN community.

AKP-National Assembly