On November 16, 2023, FONGTIL and NOC APF TL organized a national seminar with the theme ‘Timor-Leste’s Progress towards ASEAN Accession and Alternative Regionalism,’ held at the ETDA Hall, Dili, Timor-Leste. The speakers on this topic included representatives from Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Elisa da Silva, and NOC-TL member Mr. Fernando Ximenes. The seminar was opened by the Director of FONGTIL and Chair of NOC-TL Mr. Nicho Linux.

This seminar aimed to socialize and discuss Timor-Leste’s progress towards ASEAN accession and alternative regionalism. The event explored the opportunities and challenges of ASEAN accession and the potential risks that may affect the majority of Timorese when Timor-Leste integrates into the ASEAN economic regional bloc.