Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan: President Vladimir Putin hosted ASEAN leaders in Kazan to push a stronger “strategic partnership,” with talks covering trade, investment, energy, agriculture, digital cooperation and humanitarian links; ASEAN says the Kazan Declaration and related plans set a roadmap for 2026–2030, with East Timor among the 11 member states. El Niño Preparedness for East Timor: The UN’s FAO and WFP launched a $202 million anticipatory appeal to protect about 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk countries, including East Timor, warning that intensifying El Niño could bring drought, floods and storms. Timor-Leste in regional diplomacy: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta wrapped a five-day special visit to Malaysia, praising Malaysia’s support since before independence and backing Timor-Leste’s push for full ASEAN hosting readiness for 2029. Energy and trade cooperation signals: Malaysia and Timor-Leste discussed expanding cooperation in economy, trade, investment, education and TVET, aiming to deepen ASEAN-linked growth. Regional education and gender data: A British Council/SEAMEO RIHED programme is building gender-inclusive higher education policy using shared regional data tools, with Timor-Leste included in the ASEAN-wide effort. Ukraine drone attack spillover: Ukraine struck a Moscow oil refinery and disrupted flights, underscoring how regional security shocks can ripple into wider economic and travel conditions.