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.