ASEAN & Diplomacy: Timor-Leste’s leadership is leaning into ASEAN unity and resilience as Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão flies to Vietnam and attends the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Hanoi, with officials framing the event as a people-centred push for peace and prosperity after Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession. Bilateral Ties (Vietnam): The Vietnam visit is set to deepen cooperation in education, higher education, and other strategic areas, with agreements expected to be signed alongside high-level meetings. Tourism Skills Push: Dili’s Ministry of Tourism has launched a Timor-Leste Tourism Ambassador Programme, offering free certified training for hospitality workers on customer service, professionalism, and local heritage, with more sessions planned through July to September. Regional Peacebuilding: President José Ramos-Horta says full ASEAN membership is already bringing faster infrastructure and investment, while also stressing reconciliation and dialogue as the route to stability. Foreign Affairs (Myanmar): Timor-Leste is urged to avoid statements that could harm Myanmar’s image, after Myanmar raised concerns over remarks made by Ramos-Horta at regional forums.