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.