Aviation & Connectivity: The Council of Ministers met in Dili and heard an update on President Nicolau Lobato International Airport expansion, including runway, taxiways, aprons, control tower and terminal upgrades under an ADB/JICA/Australia-backed plan revised to about US$239 million, with phased completion targeted by 2028. Energy & Regional Diplomacy: At the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, leaders adopted the Kazan Declaration and an action plan to deepen cooperation through 2030, with Russia pledging energy, nuclear cooperation and broader trade and security engagement that includes Timor-Leste. Political Dialogue: Russian President Vladimir Putin told Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão that constructive political dialogue between Russia and East Timor is developing, with foreign ministries maintaining contacts. Oil & Security Spillover: Ukraine’s drone strikes on Moscow—hitting a major oil refinery and disrupting flights—came as Putin hosted ASEAN leaders, underscoring how regional diplomacy runs alongside heightened security risks. Climate & Food Security: FAO and WFP launched a US$202 million Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal to protect nearly nine million people in 22 high-risk countries from El Niño-driven shocks, including across parts of Asia and the Pacific. Oil Sector Watch: Sunda Energy’s SundaGas unit received notice after missing a deadline to drill the Chuditch-2 appraisal well, with regulators weighing whether to extend before a possible termination decision.