ASEAN Integration & Timor-Leste’s Role: ASEAN marked its 59th anniversary with a push for unity and resilience as the bloc expands to 11 members after Timor-Leste’s 2025 accession, with leaders stressing people-centred development and stronger regional integration. ASEAN–Qatar Trade & Investment: Qatar’s elevation to an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner is expected to deepen cooperation as two-way trade nears $15bn, with new focus areas including energy, connectivity, education and digital transformation. Timor-Leste–Australia Economic Links (PALM): Timor-Leste’s Council of Ministers reviewed the PALM labour mobility scheme, highlighting plans to raise Timorese participation to 10,000 by 2028 while addressing persistent concerns around worker rights, coordination and skills value. Digital Infrastructure Boost: Australia says it helped connect all Pacific Islands Forum members to undersea cable networks, including Timor-Leste, supporting access for governments, businesses and digital markets. Energy & Jobs Outlook: Finder Energy says the Petrojarl I FPSO for Timor-Leste’s KTJ project is expected to enter a shipyard in early 2027 for upgrade and life-extension work. Cybersecurity Governance: Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão established an Interministerial Committee on Cybersecurity and Digitalisation of State Services to coordinate policy across key agencies.