Diplomacy & Security: New Zealand and Timor-Leste signed an updated defence cooperation arrangement, expanding training, education, humanitarian aid, disaster relief and maritime security ties. Regional Politics: President José Ramos-Horta told Nikkei’s Future of Asia that smaller, fragile states look to major powers like China, the US and Japan for stability—and urged prudent leadership amid conflicts in Iran, Ukraine and Myanmar. ASEAN Integration: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão wrapped up a Vietnam visit after talks with Vietnamese leaders and participation in the ASEAN Future Forum, with both sides stressing Timor-Leste’s recent ASEAN accession and deeper cooperation. Energy & Climate Risk: A Zurich Insurance report warns that 75% of Southeast Asia’s renewable generation capacity (excluding Timor-Leste) faces severe climate risk by 2030, with resilience spending able to cut losses by 40–50%. Infrastructure & Partnerships: Timor-Leste’s petroleum minister said the government is pushing South Coast projects—including a Suai supply base and a highway—while seeking links with Chinese firms at an international infrastructure forum in Macao.