Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – Reported by Antara, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn has highlighted two key issues that need to be examined regarding Papua New Guinea’s bid to join the regional organization.
Speaking at a press briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday, Kao explained that under the ASEAN Charter, the bloc currently consists of 10 member countries. “If Papua New Guinea were to join ASEAN, two main issues must be addressed. First, the consensus of all 10 ASEAN members, and second, the ASEAN Charter mandate,” Kao said.
However, he emphasized that all ASEAN member states have the right to raise these matters and discuss them further.
Read Also: Prabowo Supports Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea’s ASEAN Membership Aspirations
At the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto proposed that Papua New Guinea be granted membership, highlighting the country’s interest in joining the regional bloc. He also welcomed the possibility of Timor-Leste becoming a full member of ASEAN in the near future.
ASEAN currently has 10 member countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Timor-Leste, which holds observer status, is set to officially join as the 11th member in October 2025.
Geographically, Papua New Guinea is part of the Pacific Islands region, rather than Southeast Asia. To become a member of ASEAN, a country must be located in Southeast Asia, recognized by all ASEAN members, comply with the ASEAN Charter, and fulfill the obligations of membership. (BL)