AGP Executive Report

Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders used the Pre-COP31 stop in Tuvalu to press for faster, fairer climate finance, after seeing sea barriers and land reclamation firsthand—while Australia and Fiji defend the high cost and limited turnout of their leaders’ push. Local Foreign Affairs: Russia’s Lavrov met East Timor’s Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas in Moscow, stressing NATO tensions and discussing wider bilateral cooperation. Security & Justice: Timor-Leste detained 16 people in Dili over a telecom scam allegedly impersonating Japanese police, seizing fake uniforms and Japanese-language call scripts. Education Cooperation: Timor-Leste and the Philippines signed an MoU to expand higher-education mobility, scholarships, research, quality assurance, and credit transfer. Trade & Industry: Timor-Leste began exporting Laga salt to New Zealand (300 tonnes), and officials also discussed plans for a second LNG project. Sports: Timor-Leste’s regional UN police peacekeeping training saw Pacific, Timor-Leste, and AFP officers graduate.

Diplomacy: Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas in Moscow, with both sides discussing deeper political dialogue, trade, and humanitarian ties. Climate & regional politics: Timor-Leste’s José Ramos-Horta is among the few non-Pacific leaders expected at the pre-COP31 push in Fiji and Tuvalu, as Australia faces criticism for limited global turnout and activists warn COP31 hosts are staying too quiet on fossil-fuel cuts. Security: Timor-Leste police detained 16 people in Dili over an alleged phone-scam operation impersonating Japanese police, seizing fake uniforms and Japanese-language call scripts. Economy & energy: Estrella Resources agreed to sell its WA nickel rights for $3m in scrip, saying it will focus more on its Timor-Leste projects. Trade & jobs: Timor-Leste began exporting Laga salt to New Zealand (300 tonnes) as government-backed efforts aim to cut import dependence and expand private-sector income. Education & infrastructure: Timor-Leste and the Philippines’ CHED signed an MoU to boost higher-education mobility, scholarships, research, and quality assurance; meanwhile, a modular classroom pilot in Tasitolu and a new water system in Laleia are moving ahead to address local service gaps.

Climate Diplomacy: East Timor’s José Ramos-Horta is among the few non-Pacific leaders confirmed for Australia’s pre-COP31 push in Fiji and Tuvalu, as organisers face criticism for a thin turnout beyond the region. Security & Justice: Timor-Leste investigators in Dili dismantled a cross-border telecom fraud ring, detaining 16 suspects accused of impersonating Japanese police in “digital arrest” scams. Energy & Industry: Timor-Leste is exploring a second LNG liquefaction project on the south coast, with procurement already pointing to offshore survey work and possible pipeline routes. Public Services: The government is monitoring a pilot classroom build in Tasitolu using modular Block Solutions tech, while a new water supply system in Laleia is now serving about 2,700 people. Governance & Planning: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão launched the 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and the progress report for the 2011–2024 Strategic Development Plan. Regional Cooperation: UN Police Peacekeepers training in Brisbane graduated Timor-Leste and Pacific officers, boosting mission readiness.

Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: World powers are sending delegates to Fiji for the Oct 5–8 pre-COP31 talks, but only a small set of leaders from outside the Pacific is confirmed—among them Timor-Leste—raising questions about whether Australia’s push for a bigger global spotlight is landing. Water and Schools Delivery: In Dili’s Tasitolu, the government is monitoring a pilot using modular Block Solutions to build nine new classrooms and four toilets at 12 de Outubro EBF. In Manatuto’s Laleia, a new water supply system is now serving about 2,700 people across 450 households. Planning and Accountability: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão launched Timor-Leste’s National Medium-Term Plan 2027–2030 and the PED 2011–2024 monitoring report, setting priorities across economic diversification, infrastructure, social development, and institutions. UN Police Readiness: Timor-Leste police officers graduated from a UN Police peacekeeping training program in Brisbane, joining mission-ready ranks. Regional Cooperation: Timor-Leste is also participating in ASEAN-linked work on innovative disaster finance for climate-resilient growth.

Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: World powers are sending delegates to Fiji for pre-COP31 talks (Oct 5–8) on climate action, with Pacific leaders pushing for a 1.5°C limit, more climate finance, and stronger focus on ocean impacts as sea levels rise and adaptation funding remains far short of needs. UN Police Training: Police officers from across the Pacific and Timor-Leste graduated from a UN Police peacekeeping program in Brisbane, with Timor-Leste participants joining a mission-ready cohort trained on command, child protection, and reporting. Timor-Leste Development Updates: The government monitored a pilot classroom build in Tasitolu using modular Block Solutions tech, launched a new water supply system in Laleia serving about 2,700 people, and rolled out the National Medium-Term Plan 2027–2030 alongside progress reporting for the PED 2011–2024. Regional Climate Finance Workshop: ERIA and ISPAE convened a workshop on innovative disaster finance for climate-resilient growth in ASEAN, including Timor-Leste participation as it joins as a full member. International Spotlight on Timor-Leste: A Reuters report on pre-COP attendance lists East Timor among the few confirmed leaders outside the Pacific bloc.

Pacific Climate Talks: World powers are sending delegates to Fiji for Oct 5–8 pre-COP31 talks, with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C goal, more climate finance, and stronger focus on ocean impacts as sea levels rise and adaptation funding remains far short of needs. UN Police Peacekeeping: Officers from across the Pacific and Timor-Leste graduated from a UN Police Peacekeeping training in Brisbane, with a 83% pass rate and a focus on child protection, sexual exploitation and abuse, and intelligence-led policing. Timor-Leste Development Watch: The government visited a Tasitolu school to monitor modular construction of nine classrooms and four toilets, and inaugurated a new Laleia water supply system serving about 2,700 people. National Planning: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão launched Timor-Leste’s 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and the PED progress report, setting priorities across economic, infrastructure, social, and institutional pillars. Energy & Surveys: Timor-Leste’s petroleum ministry selected TDI-Brooks for offshore geotechnical and environmental baseline work supporting planned pipeline routing for TLNG. Regional Diplomacy: Timor-Leste’s President José Ramos-Horta discussed sovereign fund experience with Solomon Islands leaders as ties deepen.

Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: World powers are sending delegates to Fiji for pre-COP31 talks in Nadi (Oct 5–8), with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C warming limit, more climate finance, and stronger focus on ocean impacts as sea levels rise fast and adaptation funding remains far short. Timor-Leste in the spotlight: Reuters reports East Timor is among the few confirmed non-Pacific leaders attending the Tuvalu-and-Fiji pre-COP segment, highlighting how limited outside attendance is drawing criticism from Pacific climate officials. UN Police Peacekeeping Training: Police officers from across the Pacific and Timor-Leste graduated as mission-ready UN Police Peacekeepers after a five-week residential program in Brisbane, with a reported 83% pass rate. Education and Water Delivery: The government monitored a Tasitolu Dili pilot using modular Block Solutions to build nine classrooms and four toilets, and inaugurated a new water supply system in Laleia, Manatuto, designed to serve about 2,700 people. National Planning: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão launched Timor-Leste’s National Medium-Term Plan 2027–2030 and the PED 2011–2024 progress report, setting priorities for the next four years.

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are sending delegates to Nadi, Fiji for Oct 5–8 talks to set the course for COP31 in Turkey, with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C warming limit, stronger climate finance, and urgent action on ocean impacts as sea levels rise and adaptation funding remains far short of needs. Local Infrastructure: In Dili’s Tasitolu, the government is monitoring a pilot using modular “Block Solutions” to build nine new classrooms and four toilets at the 12 de Outubro school. Water Access: In Manatuto’s Laleia, a new water supply system has been inaugurated to serve about 2,700 people across 450 households, with pipelines, reservoirs, and connections for key community institutions. National Planning: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão launched Timor-Leste’s National Medium-Term Plan 2027–2030 and the PED 2011–2024 progress report, outlining priorities across economic diversification, infrastructure, social development, and institutions. Oil & Gas Surveys: Timor-Leste’s petroleum ministry has selected TDI-Brooks (with THI) for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore to support TLNG pipeline routing, with field work due to start mid-January 2027. Regional Security Training: UN Police Peacekeeping training in Brisbane graduated Pacific and Timor-Leste officers, including AFP participants, after five weeks focused on UN policing, child protection, and intelligence-led reporting. ASEAN Development Finance: ERIA and ISPAE held a regional workshop on innovative disaster finance for climate-resilient growth, with Timor-Leste participating as a full ASEAN member.

Education & Infrastructure: The government is testing modular classroom construction in Tasitolu, Dili, with nine new classrooms and four toilets planned for the 12 de Outubro Filial Basic School using Block Solutions technology. Water Access: In Laleia, Manatuto, a new water supply system was inaugurated to serve about 2,700 people across 450 households, with pipelines, reservoirs, and connections for schools and community institutions. National Planning: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão launched the 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and the monitoring report for the 2011–2024 Strategic Development Plan, setting ten national priorities and tracking progress across sectors. Oil & Gas Surveys: Timor-Leste’s petroleum ministry selected TDI-Brooks (with Taka Hydrocore Indonesia) for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore to support TLNG pipeline routing, with field work due to start mid-January 2027. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Timor-Leste is among the confirmed countries with leaders attending pre-COP31 talks in the Pacific, as world powers negotiate climate action amid rising seas and a major adaptation finance gap. UN Police Training: Timor-Leste police officers graduated from a UN Police peacekeeping training program in Brisbane, joining a mission-ready cohort.

Education & Infrastructure: The government monitored construction of nine new classrooms and four toilet facilities at 12 de Outubro Filial Basic School in Tasitolu using modular “Block Solutions” technology, aiming to cut time and costs where materials are hard to transport. Water Access: In Laleia, Manatuto, Public Works inaugurated a new water supply system serving about 2,700 people across 450 households, with groundwater extraction, four supply zones, and connections for homes plus schools, the health centre, police and community institutions. National Planning: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão launched the 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and the PED 2011–2024 monitoring report, setting ten national priorities across economic diversification, infrastructure, social/human capital, and institutions. Climate Diplomacy: World powers and Pacific states are preparing for pre-COP31 talks in Fiji, with East Timor among the confirmed outside-region leaders, as negotiators push for 1.5°C, better climate finance, and urgent action on rising seas. ASEAN Resilience Finance: ERIA and Vietnam’s ISPAE held a regional workshop on innovative disaster finance for climate-resilient growth, with Timor-Leste participating as a full ASEAN member. Oil & Gas Surveys: Timor-Leste’s petroleum ministry selected TDI-Brooks to run a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore to support TLNG pipeline routing, with field work due to start mid-January 2027.

UN Rights Watch: The UN Child Rights Committee released findings on Timor-Leste and six other countries, flagging major concerns and urging stronger child-rights protections. Oil & Gas Watch: Timor-Leste approved the Environmental Impact Statement for Finder Energy’s Kuda Tasi and Jahal offshore oilfields, a key step toward final investment decisions. Pipeline Survey Update: MPRM selected TDI-Brooks (with Taka Hydrocore Indonesia) for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore Timor-Leste to support Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan pipeline routing, with field work due to start mid-January 2027. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale met President José Ramos-Horta to discuss strengthening links with Solomon Islands, including Ramos-Horta’s account of Timor-Leste’s sovereign fund model. Water & Food Security: UNSW and Permatil trained Timor-Leste university staff and students to survey water catchment topography for catchment modelling under an ACIAR-linked project. ASEAN Climate Focus: Singapore’s Grace Fu says ASEAN should prioritize a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience as the region weighs the costs of the climate transition. Sports Note: Timor-Leste’s Jennifer Maia da Cruz advanced in archery at the Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026 before a later loss.

Sovereign Wealth & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met President José Ramos-Horta in New York to discuss deepening ties with Solomon Islands, with Ramos-Horta praising Timor-Leste’s sovereign fund as “prudent” and shielded from political interference. Oil & Gas Progress: Timor-Leste approved the Environmental Impact Statement for Finder Energy’s Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, clearing a major step toward final investment decisions. Offshore Surveys for TLNG: The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources selected TDI-Brooks (with Taka Hydrocore Indonesia) for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore Timor-Leste to support Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan pipeline routing, with fieldwork due to start mid-January 2027. Water Security Training: UNSW and Permatil trained UNTL staff and students in surveying water catchment topography for catchment modelling, aimed at improving rural water access. Regional Finance & Climate: ASEAN leaders were urged to prioritize a regional power grid, climate finance, and resilience as Southeast Asia faces rising energy costs and climate risks. Digital Payments Cooperation: Timor-Leste and Indonesia’s central banks strengthened cross-border digital payments links, including QRIS expansion.

Oil & Gas Regulation: Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo approved Finder Energy’s Environmental Impact Statement for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, clearing a key step toward final investment decisions and setting out environmental management for the project’s full lifecycle. Offshore Survey Contracts: Fugro won additional Timor-Leste Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources awards for heavy geotechnical and metocean surveys supporting the Greater Sunrise TLNG gas export pipeline and the Bayu-Undan pipeline highway, with fieldwork planned for early 2027. Energy Infrastructure Planning: The Council of Ministers endorsed the Timor-Leste State Report for the Universal Periodic Review and authorised budget spending for the Tasi Mane Project on the south coast, including procurement for project management and supervision. Diplomacy: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste presented credentials to President José Ramos-Horta, signaling deeper bilateral ties and cooperation through ASEAN and UN forums. Geology & Mining Watch: Estrella Resources reported new assays strengthening the case for a copper-gold porphyry system at its Laleno Dome project, with follow-up work expanding copper hotspots. International Spotlight: Timor-Leste welcomed Morocco’s Western Sahara Autonomy Plan at the UN General Assembly, while reiterating support for self-determination and dialogue. Digital Payments & Regional Links: Central banks of Timor-Leste and Indonesia strengthened cooperation to develop cross-border digital payments, aiming to improve connectivity for people and businesses. Sports Note: At the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, Timor-Leste’s archer Aisha Al Ali advanced in the women’s individual event before exiting later rounds.

Energy & Industry: Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo has approved Finder Energy’s Environmental Impact Statement for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, clearing a major regulatory step as the project moves toward final investment decisions. Offshore Surveys: TDI-Brooks has been selected for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore Timor-Leste to support TLNG pipeline routing, with fieldwork set to begin mid-January 2027. More Survey Work: Fugro also won additional Timor-Leste contracts for heavy geotechnical and metocean surveys tied to Greater Sunrise TLNG and the Bayu-Undan Pipeline Highway, with offshore work planned for early 2027. Diplomacy: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste, Pham Binh Dam, presented credentials to President José Ramos-Horta, pledging deeper cooperation and support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration. Regional Payments: Bank Indonesia signed an MoU with Timor-Leste’s central bank to explore cross-border QRIS payments, aiming to improve digital payment connectivity between the two countries. Politics & Society: Timor-Leste welcomed Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan at the UNGA, while reiterating the need for consultation with the people concerned.

Oil & Gas Regulation: Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo approved Finder Energy’s Environmental Impact Statement for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, setting the environmental framework as the project moves toward final investment decisions. Pipeline Surveys: TDI-Brooks, with Taka Hydrocore Indonesia, was selected for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore Timor-Leste to support routing for the Greater Sunrise gas export pipeline and the Bayu-Undan pipeline highway, with fieldwork planned to start mid-January 2027. Digital Payments: Banco Central de Timor-Leste and Bank Indonesia signed an MoU to explore cross-border QRIS payments, aiming to deepen payment and settlement cooperation and build connectivity between the two countries. Diplomacy: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste presented credentials to President José Ramos-Horta, pledging closer cooperation as Timor-Leste prepares for deeper ASEAN integration. International Spotlight: World Heart Day coverage highlighted cardiovascular disease burdens across Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island communities, including high rates of undiagnosed diabetes and CVD risk factors.

Oil & Gas Milestone: Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo approved the Environmental Impact Statement for Finder Energy’s Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, setting the environmental framework for development through decommissioning and clearing a key step toward final investment decisions. Energy Surveys: Fugro won additional heavy geotechnical and metocean survey contracts for Greater Sunrise TLNG pipeline routes and the Bayu-Undan Pipeline Highway, with fieldwork planned to start in early 2027 after earlier geophysical work. Digital Payments: Bank Indonesia and Timor-Leste’s central bank moved to strengthen cross-border QR payments, with plans to explore cross-border QRIS connectivity and deeper cooperation on payment and settlement systems. AI & Language Access: A new discussion highlights how AI often underrepresents minority languages, while communities are using AI-enabled tools to preserve and build local language resources. UN Diplomacy: Timor-Leste signaled a shift at the UN General Assembly by welcoming Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan while stressing consultation and self-determination.