Diplomacy: Kuwait’s ambassador to Indonesia presented credentials to East Timor President José Ramos-Horta, pledging to deepen ties in political, economic, commercial and cultural cooperation. Regional security & cooperation: New Zealand and Timor-Leste signed an updated defence cooperation arrangement, covering training, education, capacity building, humanitarian aid and disaster relief, and maritime security. Leadership on the world stage: Ramos-Horta told the “Future of Asia” forum that smaller, fragile economies need developed powers to act as prudent leaders and provide stability. ASEAN direction: The ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi highlighted Vietnam’s shift from participant to agenda-setter, with Timor-Leste among leaders attending. Environment & resilience: A Zurich Insurance report warns much of ASEAN’s renewable energy infrastructure faces major climate risk by 2030, while targeted resilience investment could cut potential losses. Local fisheries policy: Indonesia’s border agency and Malaka lawmakers discussed a border free trade zone proposal with Timor-Leste to boost jobs and cross-border commerce.