AGP Executive Report

Australia–Timor-Leste Business Push: Timor-Leste and Australia, with Property Council NT, are set to run the Darwin to Dili Business & Investment Summit and Invest Timor-Leste 2026 in Dili from 27–30 October, linking Australian and Timorese firms and government through briefings, site visits and B2B matchmaking. Presidential Diplomacy: Indonesia’s Prabowo has accepted Jose Ramos-Horta’s invitation to visit Timor-Leste, with both sides pointing to expanded cooperation in environment, research, higher education, science and innovation. Science & Research Ties: Prabowo also urged Nobel laureates to work with Indonesian researchers, as Ramos-Horta leads a Nobel delegation in Jakarta after meetings in Dili. Blue Economy Spotlight: The Timor-Leste OceanX Symposium: Science for a Blue Future will be held in Dili on 28 August, using OceanX’s 2025 marine mission findings to support conservation, fisheries, sustainable tourism and marine research. Regional Security Cooperation: Japan says it will expand official security assistance to at least 12 countries in fiscal 2026, including East Timor, focusing on maritime surveillance and monitoring.

Diplomacy & Science Links: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta invited Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto to visit Dili, and Prabowo accepted, with talks also highlighting cooperation in environment, research, higher education, science and innovation. Nobel Laureates in Jakarta: Prabowo met Ramos-Horta and a delegation of about 20 Nobel and Turing Award laureates, urging them to collaborate with Indonesian researchers to strengthen the research ecosystem. Regional Cooperation Push: Indonesia’s officials said Papua could help deepen Indonesia–Timor-Leste ties through connectivity and human resource development. Blue Economy Research: Timor-Leste and OceanX held a Dili symposium on marine science for a “Blue Future,” aiming to turn new ocean findings into practical conservation and fisheries actions. Security Assistance Watch: Japan plans to expand defense equipment support to at least 12 Indo-Pacific countries, including Timor-Leste, as China concerns grow. Community & Culture: Pacific Partnership 2026 wrapped up its third mission stop in Dili, continuing engineering and disaster-preparedness work with Timorese partners.

Diplomatic Ties: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta has invited Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto to visit Dili, and Prabowo has accepted, saying the trip will be “on the agenda,” with both sides pointing to cooperation in environment, research, higher education, science and innovation. Nobel-Led Science Push: Prabowo also urged Nobel laureates visiting Jakarta to collaborate with Indonesian researchers and academics, framing it as part of a “good neighbor” approach and highlighting priorities like free nutritious meals and environmental conservation. Regional Security/Maritime: Cambodia’s foreign minister Prak Sokhonn said Cambodia and Thailand are engaged in UNCLOS compulsory conciliation over maritime issues, citing the Timor-Leste–Australia case as proof disputes can be resolved through international law. Blue Economy & Research: The Timor-Leste OceanX Symposium: Science for a Blue Future is set for Dili’s convention centre, aiming to turn OceanX marine findings into action for conservation, fisheries management, sustainable tourism and future research. Trade & Investment: Australia, Timor-Leste and Property Council NT are partnering on a Darwin to Dili business summit and Invest Timor-Leste 2026, with matchmaking and site visits planned for late October in Dili. Public Notice: Timor-Leste has announced a day off on September 1 (all day) and September 10, 2026 (afternoon) for the repatriation of Catholic prelates’ mortal remains.

ASEAN in the spotlight: Lawmakers from nine Southeast Asian countries, including East Timor, wrapped up a weeklong visit to China’s Hainan, touring trade, rural communities and governance models as ASEAN-China ties deepen. Blue economy push: Timor-Leste and OceanX will hold the Timor-Leste OceanX Symposium: Science for a Blue Future in Dili on 28 August, using OceanX’s 2025 marine mission findings to guide conservation, fisheries, sustainable tourism and future research. Regional cooperation on disaster readiness: Pacific Partnership 2026 finished its third stop in Dili on 26 August, with 149 personnel supporting engineering, disaster management, medical and community outreach activities alongside Timorese partners. Government updates: The Council of Ministers in Dili approved renewing Steering Committee 25 for another five years to complete a book on youth and student resistance, and reviewed progress toward Timor-Leste’s full ASEAN membership. Mining watch: Estrella Resources says it has found visible copper mineralisation at its Laleno Dome in Timor-Leste, pointing to possible intrusion-related copper targets ahead of drilling. Diplomatic note: Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão was among leaders pictured at the ASEAN summit in Cebu in May 2026.

Blue Economy & Science: The Government of Timor-Leste and OceanX will hold the Timor-Leste OceanX Symposium: Science for a Blue Future on 28 August at the Dili Convention Centre, sharing findings from OceanX’s 2025 marine mission and discussing how the data can guide marine conservation, fisheries management, sustainable tourism, and future research. Government Appointments: In Dili, three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries—Finance and Treasury (David Teika Dennis), Police/National Security/Correctional Services (Trevor Unusu), and Culture and Tourism (Bunyan Sivoro, reappointed). ASEAN Roadmap Update: The Council of Ministers also received findings from the ASEAN Secretariat on progress toward Timor-Leste’s full ASEAN membership, covering work from May 2025 to January 2026. Parliament & Diplomacy: Timor-Leste’s National Parliament President Maria Fernanda Lay arrived in Phnom Penh for ISC-2 (26–28 August), while Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck of Bhutan is in Dili strengthening bilateral ties and taking part in the Science for Development Summit 2026. Regional Cooperation: Pacific Partnership 2026 wrapped up its third Dili mission stop on 26 August, with 149 personnel supporting engineering, disaster management, medical and community outreach projects.

Pacific Partnership 2026 in Dili: The U.S. Navy’s Pacific Partnership 2026 wrapped up its third mission stop in Timor-Leste, with 149 personnel working alongside Timorese partners on engineering upgrades, disaster preparedness, medical and community outreach, including a ribbon-cutting at Escola Básica Filial Kasnafar. Science & Development Diplomacy: Timor-Leste also hosted regional engagement as Bhutan’s Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck visited Dili, meeting officials and taking part in the Science for Development Summit 2026. Mining & Exploration: Tivan launched a high-tech drone magnetic survey over its Timor-Leste copper-gold projects, aiming to sharpen drilling targets after earlier signs of copper mineralisation at the Laleno Dome. Government Appointments: The Council of Ministers approved renewing Steering Committee 25 to complete the “History of the Youth and Student Resistance in Timor-Leste,” and the government swore in three new Permanent Secretaries to key ministries. ASEAN Ties: Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership roadmap update was presented to ministers, as the country continues building its full ASEAN integration path.

ASEAN and regional diplomacy: Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão was among leaders welcoming the 48th ASEAN summit in Cebu, as the Philippines said ASEAN’s growing economic and strategic weight could boost the bloc’s global role. Government updates: The Council of Ministers in Dili approved renewing Steering Committee 25 for another five years to complete the “History of the Youth and Student Resistance in Timor-Leste,” and heard progress on Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership roadmap. Parliament leadership travel: The President of Timor-Leste’s National Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay, arrived in Phnom Penh to take part in the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (Aug. 26–28). Science and development ties: Bhutan’s Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck visited Dili, meeting officials and joining the Science for Development Summit 2026. Public service appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries, including Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Correctional Services, and Culture and Tourism. Earthquake alert: A magnitude 6.0 quake struck off the coast near Lospalos, with no tsunami threat reported. Energy and investment push: Timor-Leste’s Invest Timor-Leste 2026 and the Darwin to Dili Business & Investment Summit are set to bring Australian and local firms together, timed around the country’s ASEAN entry anniversary.

Diplomatic Ties: Bhutan’s Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck visited Dili, meeting Acting Foreign Minister Jesuína Ferreira Gomes and taking part in the Science for Development Summit 2026, strengthening Bhutan–Timor-Leste dialogue. Government Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries—Finance and Treasury (David Teika Dennis), Police, National Security and Correctional Services (Trevor Unusu), and Culture and Tourism (Bunyan Sivoro, reappointed)—urged by Acting Governor-General Sir Albert Rocky Palmer to deliver on national priorities. Disaster Preparedness: U.S. Navy Seabees with Timor-Leste Defence Force engineers are working on two school infrastructure projects during Pacific Partnership 2026, continuing long-running cooperation that began in 2008. Regional Safety: A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Lospalos in the Banda Sea; no tsunami threat was reported and there were no initial reports of damage.

Permanent Secretaries Sworn In: Timor-Leste’s Acting Governor-General Sir Albert Rocky Palmer swore in three new Permanent Secretaries for key ministries—David Teika Dennis (Finance and Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security and Correctional Services), and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture and Tourism, reappointed)—urging stronger leadership, public service values, and delivery of national development priorities. Diplomatic Boost in Dili: Bhutan’s Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck visited Dili, meeting Acting Foreign Minister Jesuína Ferreira Gomes and taking part in the Science for Development Summit 2026, strengthening dialogue between the two countries. U.S. Navy Engineers in Dili: As part of Pacific Partnership 2026, U.S. Navy Seabees worked with Timor-Leste Defence Force engineers on projects for two Dili-area schools, with construction at Escola Básica Filial Mota Ulun set to begin Aug. 31. Regional Safety Alert: A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Timor-Leste near Lospalos; no tsunami threat was reported and there were no initial reports of damage.

Permanent Appointments: Timor-Leste’s Government swore in three new Permanent Secretaries at Government House—David Teika Dennis (Finance and Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security and Correctional Services), and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture and Tourism, reappointed)—with Acting Governor-General Sir Albert Rocky Palmer urging stronger leadership and fiscal discipline. Seismic Alert: A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Timor-Leste near Lospalos in the Banda Sea; the U.S. Geological Survey reported no initial tsunami threat and no early reports of damage. U.S.-Timor Cooperation: U.S. Navy Seabees in Dili, under Pacific Partnership 2026, are working with F-FDTL engineers on projects for two schools, aiming to improve infrastructure and local quality of life. ASEAN Solidarity Abroad: Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Brussels Maria Bessa highlighted ASEAN community spirit at ASEAN Family Day 2026, where diplomats and families shared games and food from across the bloc. Regional Security Training: Air forces in the region, including Timor-Leste’s Air Component, completed an ASEAN education and training program focused on interoperability guidelines.

Pacific Partnership 2026 in Dili: U.S. Navy Seabees are working with Timor-Leste Defence Force engineers on two school infrastructure projects around Dili, part of the PP26 humanitarian mission running Aug. 12–26. ASEAN cultural push: The ASEAN Film Festival 2026 opened in Hong Kong with free screenings of films from all 11 ASEAN countries, plus a strong music and cultural exchange focus through Sept. 27. Sports leadership in Cebu: Cesafi Season 26 coaching changes are set to reshape local basketball, with veteran Raymon Mercader taking over UV Baby Lancers and Roger Yap leading USJ-R Jaguars. Health warning: SPMC says stroke is increasingly affecting younger people and urges fast action on warning signs, warning against self-medicating. School safety measures: DepEd-Davao says it has deployed metal detectors and security staff across schools, while Davao City tightens protocols after recent incidents. Governance and accountability: In the Philippines’ VP impeachment trial, Gina Acosta admitted she handed confidential fund disbursement to Col. Raymund Lachica even though she said he was not a bonded officer.

AI for State-Building: Timor-Leste is set to host a Government Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence on Aug 24 (10:00–12:00) at the Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium in Dili, bringing together government members and international AI experts to discuss responsible AI for modern public services and national development. ASEAN Community Links: Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Brussels Maria Bessa highlighted ASEAN solidarity at ASEAN Family Day 2026, where diplomats’ families took part in games and cultural exchanges, including signature dishes from across the bloc. Regional Health Reminder: APLMA CEO Dr Sarthak Das says malaria elimination is still achievable in the region, pointing to Timor-Leste’s recent progress as proof that sustained action can beat tough conditions. Sports Talent Pathway: Asian Athletics Association president Dahlan Jaman Al Hamad urged schools to adopt the Athletics for Talented Students Program to spot and develop young athletes early, with training support for school staff. Environment Watch: A new report flags that threatened oak species across Southeast and East Asia—including Timor-Leste—face heavy human pressure and calls for targeted surveys and stronger protected areas.

AI for State-Building: Timor-Leste will host a Government Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence on Aug 24 (10:00–12:00) at the Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium in Dili, aiming to shape responsible AI governance for better public services and national development, with international experts including Jack Dongarra and Richard Sutton. ASEAN Diplomacy in Europe: Timor-Leste’s Ambassador Maria Bessa helped open ASEAN Family Day 2026 in Brussels, where diplomats’ families took part in games and cultural exchanges, including signature dishes from ASEAN member states. Regional Defence Cooperation: CPLP’s joint military exercise FELINO 2026 wrapped up in Brazil, with Timor-Leste among the participating forces, focused on interoperability and simulated peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance operations. Health Progress: APLMA CEO Dr Sarthak Das said malaria elimination is still achievable in the Asia-Pacific, pointing to examples including Timor-Leste’s recent progress and urging sustained action. Sports Talent Pipeline: Asian Athletics Association president Dahlan Jaman Al Hamad stressed expanding the Athletics for Talented Students Program in schools to identify and develop future athletes.

AI for State-Building: Timor-Leste will host a Government Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence on Aug. 24 (10:00–12:00) at the Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium in Dili, aiming to shape responsible AI use for better public services and national development, with international experts including Jack Dongarra and Richard Sutton. Regional Defence Cooperation: CPLP’s joint military exercise FELINO 2026 wrapped up in Brazil, with Timor-Leste among the participating countries, focused on peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance drills to boost interoperability. Aero Dili Expansion Watch: Aero Dili is considering adding a third aircraft in 2027, but limited fleet availability is currently constraining new route plans like a potential Dili–Kupang service. Health Progress Reminder: APLMA CEO says malaria elimination remains achievable in the region, pointing to Timor-Leste’s recent progress as proof that sustained action can work. Culture on Screen: Timor-Leste is set to feature at the ASEAN Film Festival in Hong Kong, as the event expands to include all 11 ASEAN member states for the first time.

Bank Governance Watch: A legal explainer warns that chairpersons and directors of licensed banks can face liability for fraud, abuse of authority, law or charter violations, and negligence—meaning “hot chairs” come with real legal risk. Regional Defence Training: Timor-Leste’s Air Component took part in an ASEAN air forces education and training program, where interoperability guidelines were completed. AI for State-Building: Timor-Leste will host a Government Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence on Aug. 24 in Dili, aiming to shape governance for responsible AI use in public services and national development. Aero Dili Expansion: Aero Dili is considering a third aircraft in 2027, with a possible Dili–Kupang route delayed by limited fleet availability. Sports Draw: AFC Challenge Cup group details include Timor-Leste’s Kasuka in Group E, setting up matchups with Shan United and others. Health Spotlight: APLMA CEO says malaria elimination remains achievable, citing Timor-Leste as an example. Culture & Memory: A Dili prison-turned human rights museum, the Chega Centre, preserves cells and stories from the occupation, including photos of journalists killed in 1999.

AI for State-Building: Timor-Leste will host a Government Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence on Aug. 24 (10:00–12:00) at the Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium in Dili, aiming to shape responsible AI governance for better public services and national development, with international experts including Jack Dongarra and Richard Sutton. Aero Dili Expansion: Aero Dili is considering a third aircraft in 2027, after limited fleet availability constrained plans such as a Dili–Kupang route. Health Progress: APLMA CEO says malaria elimination is still within reach for the region, pointing to Timor-Leste as proof that progress is possible even under tough conditions. Culture & Diplomacy: Vietnamese films are drawing attention at the ASEAN Film Festival in Hong Kong, with Timor-Leste included for the first time as ASEAN’s newest member. Regional Sports Link: The AFC Challenge Cup draw places Timor-Leste’s possible representative in a group that includes Kasuka/Brunei and other East Zone teams. Travel Scrutiny Claim: A Singapore-based entrepreneur says he faced extra questioning in Dili after officials noticed his Indian passport, despite visa-on-arrival access.