ASEAN & Diplomacy: Timor-Leste’s President José Ramos-Horta used an ERIA lecture in Jakarta to stress reconciliation, dialogue, and ASEAN integration, saying full membership is already accelerating infrastructure and investment while Timor-Leste prepares to align laws ahead of its 2029 ASEAN chair role. Regional Engagement: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão is set to visit Vietnam and attend ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Hanoi, with both sides pointing to deeper trade and investment in telecoms, digital transformation, agriculture, energy, and skills—building on the Telemor/Viettel partnership. Tourism & Skills: The Ministry of Tourism launched the Timor-Leste Tourism Ambassador Programme, a free certified training for hospitality workers in Dili, with 59 participants in the first phase and more sessions planned through September. Foreign Affairs: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Timor-Leste to avoid statements that could harm Myanmar’s image, after remarks by Ramos-Horta were criticised by Myanmar as violating ASEAN non-interference principles. Justice & Business: Timor-Leste and the EU signed agreements to modernize the justice system and promote sustainable business. Digital Services: Timor-Leste officially launched verify.gov.tl to advance digital public services and socio-economic growth. Energy & Investment: Finder Energy submitted key documents for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) oil fields in the Timor Sea, including the EIS and field development plan, as approvals move forward.