AGP Executive Report

ASEAN Anniversary and Timor-Leste’s Inclusion: ASEAN marked its 59th anniversary with repeated calls for unity and resilience as the bloc now includes Timor-Leste as its 11th member, with leaders stressing that ASEAN’s strength depends on closing ranks and delivering real benefits for the region’s nearly 700 million people. Regional Diplomacy: ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said the bloc must keep its central role as geopolitical and economic shocks ripple across borders, while Laos also reaffirmed commitment to ASEAN cooperation and integration. Connectivity Push for Timor-Leste and the Pacific: Australia announced the completion of a major undersea cable project, saying all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to global networks for the first time, with Australia also pointing to support for cable links including Timor-Leste. Digital Governance in Dili: Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister signed an order creating an interministerial committee on cybersecurity and the digitalisation of state services, tasked with coordinating public policy across key agencies. Energy and Investment Talks: In Dili, a senior government minister met Woodside’s executive vice president to discuss the Greater Sunrise project and how cooperation could support Timor-Leste’s long-term economic development.

ASEAN 59th Anniversary: ASEAN leaders used the bloc’s 59th birthday to push for unity and resilience as geopolitics, trade shocks and climate risks intensify, with Timor-Leste’s 2025 entry highlighted as a milestone for a more inclusive ASEAN. Regional Diplomacy: ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said the group must “close ranks” to protect ASEAN centrality, while Philippines chair remarks stressed people-first delivery and keeping ASEAN from becoming a rivalry arena. Timor-Leste in the Spotlight: The anniversary coverage repeatedly pointed to Timor-Leste’s accession as ASEAN’s newest chapter, including the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation’s 50th anniversary. Cybersecurity Push at Home: In Dili, Timor-Leste’s Council of Ministers backed a new Interministerial Committee on Cybersecurity and Digitalisation of State Services to coordinate public policy across key agencies. Greater Sunrise Talks: The Minister of the Presidency met Woodside’s executive vice president to discuss advancing the Greater Sunrise project and strengthening cooperation. PALM Workers: Government briefings and wider reporting renewed attention on Timorese participation in Australia’s PALM scheme and ongoing concerns about protecting workers’ rights and well-being. Connectivity Boost: Australia announced major undersea cable progress that includes Timor-Leste, aiming to improve digital access across the Pacific and beyond.

ASEAN Anniversary: ASEAN marked its 59th founding on Saturday with fresh calls for unity and stronger cooperation as the bloc navigates geopolitical, economic and climate pressures, and with Timor-Leste joining as its newest member. Regional Diplomacy: Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane said ASEAN remains a region of peace and stability while pushing deeper economic integration, and noted 2026 as the first year of implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Timor-Leste in ASEAN: ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said Timor-Leste’s accession reflects confidence that the community is stronger when it is more inclusive. Connectivity Push: Australia announced a major Pacific milestone—every Pacific Islands Forum member is now connected to undersea telecom cables—while also citing support for Timor-Leste’s connectivity. Local Governance & Digital Security: In Dili, the Prime Minister signed an order creating an Interministerial Committee on Cybersecurity and the Digitalisation of State Services to coordinate national policy and initiatives. Energy Talks: The Minister of the Presidency, Agio Pereira, met Woodside’s executive vice president to discuss the Greater Sunrise project and how cooperation can support Timor-Leste’s long-term development.

ASEAN Day and Timor-Leste’s entry: ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn marked the bloc’s 59th anniversary by welcoming Timor-Leste as its newest member, saying the community is stronger when it is more inclusive. Pacific connectivity push: Australia says it has completed a major undersea cable rollout so all Pacific Islands Forum members—including Timor-Leste—are now connected to the global network, backed by more than A$500 million since 2018. Cybersecurity for state services: In Dili, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão ordered the creation of an Interministerial Committee on Cybersecurity and the Digitalisation of State Services to coordinate policy across key ministries and agencies. Greater Sunrise talks: Minister Agio Pereira met Woodside’s executive vice president to discuss cooperation on the Greater Sunrise project and its long-term economic value for Timor-Leste. PALM labour mobility review: The Council of Ministers discussed Timorese participation in Australia’s PALM scheme, including plans to raise worker numbers to 10,000 by 2028 and concerns about protecting workers’ rights and well-being. Regional security planning: Papua New Guinea’s PM says he will ask Timor-Leste to provide 200 defence personnel for a proposed multinational force to help secure and supervise PNG’s 2027 election. Tourism spotlight: A new feature frames Timor-Leste as an emerging tourism frontier, pointing to faster development since joining ASEAN and major upgrades underway.

ASEAN Football: Singapore booked its ASEAN Championship semi-final spot with a 1-1 draw against Indonesia at Jalan Besar Stadium, after Ragnar Oratmangoen scored early and Ilhan Fandi equalised in the 66th minute, with a late red-card call overturned after VAR. Cybersecurity & Digital Services: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão signed an order creating an Interministerial Committee on Cybersecurity and the Digitalisation of State Services to coordinate policy across key ministries and agencies. Energy Cooperation: Agio Pereira met Woodside’s Julie Fallon to discuss strengthening cooperation on the Greater Sunrise project and its long-term economic value for Timor-Leste. Tourism Push: A new travel feature highlights Timor-Leste’s “new tourism frontier,” pointing to faster development since joining ASEAN, including hotel growth and a major airport upgrade. Connectivity Milestone: Australia says it has helped deliver the first international subsea cable service for Timor-Leste and, more broadly, that Pacific Islands Forum members are now fully connected to global undersea networks. Workers’ Rights Debate: Timor-Leste is again in the spotlight through PALM scheme discussions in Australia, where critics say pay and job mobility rules leave workers vulnerable and under-protected. Regional Culture: The ASEAN Film Festival 2026 opens in Hong Kong with Timor-Leste’s first participation, featuring over 30 films and free screenings from 20 August.

Subsea Connectivity Boost: Timor-Leste has launched its first international subsea cable connection for commercial customers, linking Dili to Vocus’ North West Cable System off Australia via the 607 km Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable System—an upgrade meant to reduce reliance on satellite and microwave links. Regional Digital Push: Australia also marked a Pacific milestone, saying every Pacific Islands Forum member is now connected to global undersea cable networks for the first time, with Timor-Leste named among the countries benefiting from more than 10,300 km of new cable work. Labour Mobility Watch: The Council of Ministers in Dili reviewed Australia’s PALM scheme, including plans to raise Timorese worker participation to 10,000 by 2028, while flagging ongoing challenges around protecting workers’ rights and handling complaints. Security Cooperation: PNG’s Prime Minister says he will ask Timor-Leste to provide 200 defence personnel for a proposed multinational force to help secure and supervise the 2027 election. ASEAN Anniversary Context: With ASEAN’s 59th anniversary on August 8 and Timor-Leste joining as its newest member, regional leaders are framing deeper cooperation around resilience, integration, and people-centred development.

Telecoms & Connectivity: Timor-Leste has commercially launched its first international subsea cable link, with Cabos de Timor-Leste opening the Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable System to connect Dili to Vocus’ North West Cable System off Australia—moving beyond satellite and microwave for more reliable international service. Regional Security & Environment: Indonesia urged stronger marine law compliance during armed conflict, including clearer rules for protecting dual-use infrastructure like undersea cables and ports, in talks jointly held with the Red Cross involving Indonesia and Timor-Leste. Health & Access to Medicines: A new report highlights how medical opioid use in the region remains far lower in Timor-Leste than elsewhere, pointing to policy barriers that can limit patient access to essential pain treatment. Biodiversity & Conservation: Scientists studying threatened Asian oaks found most species—including those in Timor-Leste—lack living backup in botanical collections, warning that losses in the wild could mean permanent disappearance. Sports (Regional): Vietnam’s ASEAN Championship win over Indonesia kept the title race tight, while Timor-Leste’s earlier defeat underscored the uphill battle for points.

ICJ Spotlight for Timor-Leste: SJD student Erick Guapizaca Jiménez has been named an International Court of Justice judicial fellow, selected to support ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa with research and drafting ahead of a 10-month fellowship starting in September. Dili-Portugal Cooperation: Timor-Leste and Portugal are strengthening economic and tourism ties, with cooperation framed around shared opportunities. Regional Security & Education: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape and Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta met in Vanuatu to discuss Timor-Leste contributing 200 defence personnel for PNG’s 2027 election security, plus a joint scholarship plan to expand higher education access for Timorese students. Health Policy: A separate report highlights that Timor-Leste has been certified malaria-free by WHO, underscoring progress in public health. Gender Equality Broadcast: Timor-Leste’s Secretary of State for Equality Elvina de Sousa Carvalho is set to appear on the “Government Page” TV show, outlining priorities on gender equality and violence prevention.

Timor-Leste–Portugal Economic Push: Timor-Leste and Portugal moved to strengthen economic and tourism cooperation, signaling fresh momentum for investment and visitor links. Security & Education Ties: Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste held high-level talks on regional security cooperation and a joint scholarship push to expand higher education opportunities for Timorese students. UN Police Training for the Region: UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix launched a UN Police peacekeeping course for 50 Pacific and Timor-Leste officers, aiming to build mission-ready capacity with training on human rights and child protection. Tourism Business Forum (CPLP): The Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries set up a tourism business and investment forum in Dili, focused on youth entrepreneurship, women-led MSMEs, and better connectivity across member states. Health Policy Spotlight: A report highlighted how medical opioid access remains far below need in Indonesia, contrasting with Timor-Leste’s higher opioid use—raising regional attention on pain treatment access. Sports Cooperation: Philippines and Timor-Leste forged a new path in sports cooperation, adding another channel for regional engagement.

Medical Access & Policy: A new report says Indonesia’s low use of medical opioids isn’t about need—it points to government policy limiting patient access, while Timor-Leste is cited as consuming far more opioid doses per person. Regional Football: Vietnam stunned Indonesia 3-0 in the ASEAN Championship, extending an unbeaten run and moving past Indonesia to top Group A, while Cambodia beat Timor-Leste 3-0. Timor-Leste–Portugal Cooperation: Timor-Leste and Portugal strengthened economic and tourism ties, with Lusophone partners also backing a tourism business forum aimed at boosting youth entrepreneurship and MSMEs. Security & Training: The UN launched a UN Police peacekeeping training course for 50 Pacific and Timor-Leste officers, focused on mission readiness and protection issues. Tourism & Business Links: CPLP tourism ministers in Dili agreed to set up a Business and Investment Forum on tourism to improve connectivity and support local producers. Education & Gender: Timor-Leste’s Government Page TV show will feature the Secretary of State for Equality on gender equality priorities and efforts to prevent and combat gender-based violence.

Malaria-Free Milestone: The WHO has certified Timor-Leste as malaria-free, praising strong political will and sustained health efforts that cut cases from 223,000 to zero. Security & Education Ties: PNG Prime Minister Marape and Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta met in Vanuatu to discuss Timor-Leste contributing 200 defence personnel for PNG’s 2027 election security force, plus a dollar-for-dollar scholarship plan to expand Timorese study in PNG. Regional Cooperation on Tourism: Portuguese-speaking countries set up a CPLP Business and Investment Forum on tourism in Dili, aiming to boost youth entrepreneurship, women-led and small business growth, and improve connectivity across member states. UN Police Training Launch: UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix officially launched a mission-ready UN Police Peacekeeping course for 50 Pacific and Timor-Leste officers, trained by Australia’s AFP. Sports Spotlight: Vietnam thrashed Indonesia 3-0 in the ASEAN Championship, while Cambodia beat Timor-Leste 3-0—results shaping the Group A race.

Malaria Milestone: The World Health Organization has certified Timor-Leste malaria-free, praising years of strong political will, targeted health work, and sustained investment after cases fell from 223,000 to zero. Economic & Governance Reform: Australia and Timor-Leste reaffirmed support for the PROSIVU reform program, with Phase Two (2026–2028) backing public institutions, economic governance, modern administration, and better public financial management, including deeper ASEAN integration. Regional Security & Education: Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste leaders discussed a plan for Timor-Leste to contribute 200 defence personnel to help secure PNG’s 2027 election, plus a dollar-for-dollar scholarship push to expand Timorese study in PNG. Tourism & Lusophone Business: CPLP tourism ministers in Dili set up a Business and Investment Forum on tourism to boost youth entrepreneurship and MSMEs, with a focus on better connectivity across member states. Sports Diplomacy: The Philippines’ sports commission moved to invite Timor-Leste to the 2027 Tour of Luzon and the first Mindanao Youth Games, using sport to build regional bridges. Gender Equality Broadcast: Timor-Leste’s “Government Page” TV show will feature the Secretary of State for Equality on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and violence prevention.

Economic Diplomacy: Timor-Leste and Portugal moved to deepen economic and tourism cooperation, with tourism ministers meeting in Dili and Portugal’s economy minister urging higher-value, higher-spend tourism to lift wages and returns. Regional Security & Education: PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta discussed a proposal for Timor-Leste to contribute 200 defence personnel to help secure PNG’s 2027 election, alongside a dollar-for-dollar scholarship plan to expand Timorese study in PNG. Health Milestone: WHO certified Timor-Leste malaria-free, praising years of political will, interventions, and sustained investment that cut cases from 223,000 to zero. Governance & Reform: Australia and Timor-Leste reaffirmed support for PROSIVU Phase Two (2026–2028), targeting stronger public institutions, economic governance, and deeper ASEAN integration. Energy & Industry: Fugro won a contract for offshore surveys supporting Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan, using autonomous underwater vehicle mapping ahead of major pipeline and engineering work.

Malaria Milestone: The WHO has certified Timor-Leste malaria-free, marking a major public health win after years of nationwide action. Regional Security & Training: UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix officially launched a UN Police Peacekeeping course for 50 Pacific and Timor-Leste officers, training mission-ready police for child protection, human rights due diligence, and intelligence-led policing. Diplomacy & Education Links: Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste leaders met to strengthen security cooperation and expand higher-education scholarships, including a proposed joint funding model for Timorese students. Tourism Business Push: CPLP tourism ministers, meeting in Dili, agreed to create a Business and Investment Forum focused on youth entrepreneurship, women-led MSMEs, and better connectivity across Lusophone routes. Sports Diplomacy: The Philippines is inviting Timor-Leste to join major youth and cycling events, using sport to deepen ASEAN ties. Local Safety Check: In Consolacion, Cebu, police traced a viral school threat and found no sign of an imminent attack, though schools had paused in-person classes while checks continued.

Malaria-Free Milestone: The WHO has certified Timor-Leste malaria-free, praising years of political will and health worker effort after the country drove cases from 223,000 to zero. Reform Partnership: Australia and Timor-Leste reaffirmed support for PROSIVU Phase Two (2026–2028), backing public institution strengthening, economic governance, and deeper ASEAN integration. Energy Survey Contract: Fugro won a deal for offshore underwater surveys to support Greater Sunrise and Bayu Undan pipeline planning, with operations set to start in late 2026. Sports Diplomacy: The Philippines’ sports commission invited Timor-Leste to the 2027 Tour of Luzon and the first Mindanao Youth Games, using sport to build ASEAN ties. Health & Food Security: A wider regional report notes hunger is falling across Southeast Asia, but the next push is making healthy diets affordable. Local Economy & Tourism: Portugal’s tourism minister urged higher-value, identity-based tourism after talks in Dili, while Timor-Leste’s tourism ecosystem gets a boost from new accreditation efforts.

Health Milestone: Timor-Leste has been certified malaria-free by the WHO, marking a major public health win after years of nationwide action that drove cases from 223,000 to zero. Sports Diplomacy: The Philippines is inviting Timor-Leste to join the 2027 Tour of Luzon and the first Mindanao Youth Games, using sport to strengthen ASEAN ties and youth development. Energy & Offshore Work: Fugro has been contracted for deepwater seabed and geophysical surveys to support Timor-Leste’s Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan pipeline planning. Governance & Reform: Australia and Timor-Leste reaffirmed support for PROSIVU Phase Two (2026–2028), focused on stronger institutions, economic governance, and public financial management. Regional Cooperation: Timor-Leste is also linked to broader ASEAN engagement, including anti-corruption efforts tied to regional PAC initiatives. International Spotlight: Garma Festival coverage highlights Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão among key Indo-Pacific guests.