Asia's youngest nation East Timor has become the 11th member of the Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN at its summit in Malaysia.

The integration of the region's youngest and poorest nation — with just 1.4 million people — is being hailed as a symbolic step for regional inclusivity.

After the flag of East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, was added to the other 10 on the stage at a formal ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao told the other leaders that "today, history is made".

"For the people of Timor-Leste this is not only a dream realised but a powerful affirmation of our journey," he said.

East Timor was a Portuguese colony for over four centuries before Indonesia's 1975 invasion.

ASEAN membership gives East Timor access to the bloc's free trade deals, investme

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