JAKARTA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Timor Leste is keen to join the military exercises conducted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao said in Jakarta Wednesday.

    He conveyed his government's interest during a meeting with Indonesian Military Chief General Djoko Santoso at the military headquarters.

    Accompanied by Foreign Minister Zacarias Aibano Da Costa and Military Chief Brig. Gen. Taur Matan Ruak, Gusmao proposed that his country make initial presence as inspecting team before fully getting involved with the joint exercises of the regional grouping.

    Timor Leste is also interested in cooperating with its neighbors in joint military exercises intended for disaster emergency responses, the national Antara news agency quoted him assaying.

    The ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.