AGP Executive Report

ASEAN & Diplomacy: Vietnam says it’s ready to share its experience with Timor-Leste ahead of the country’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2029, with talks in Dili covering agriculture, tourism, digital transformation, connectivity and investment. Sports (AFF Women’s Cup): Cambodia beat Timor-Leste 3-1 in the AFF Women’s Cup group opener in Kuala Lumpur, setting up a key group match against Indonesia on July 16. Security & Justice: Timor-Leste police continue a crackdown on alleged scam centres in and around Dili, arresting 90 foreign nationals who are now before the district court for bail and travel restrictions. Energy & Business: Singapore’s Global Group has started building its first fuel storage terminal in Timor-Leste in Liquica, a US$10 million project aimed at boosting fuel supply and control of inventory. Health: A new real-world study reports vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) may cut glaucoma risk for people with elevated eye pressure. Regional Cooperation (Fisheries): A fisheries officer exchange between Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste focuses on compliance, monitoring and enforcement to tackle illegal fishing.

Energy & Investment in Timor-Leste: Singapore fuel distributor Global Group has started building its first fuel storage terminal in Liquica, with a US$10 million tank farm planned to hold millions of litres of diesel and petrol, aiming to strengthen supply control and expand capacity. Mining & Exploration: Estrella Resources says it found very high-grade copper at its Sica prospect in Timor-Leste, plus silver and manganese, and also reports copper-silver results at the nearby Daudere prospect. Fisheries Cooperation: Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea are running a fisheries officer exchange focused on compliance and anti–illegal fishing, including port inspections and vessel monitoring practices. Regional Diplomacy: Indonesia’s Megawati Soekarnoputri met Timor-Leste PM Xanana Gusmão, urging joint climate action and research, including a comparative study on nationalism. Travel Rules (Timor-Leste listed): Turkey’s 2026 eVisa eligibility list includes East Timor, while Germany’s 2026 visa-free list for short stays also names Timor-Leste. Health Note: A travel-related dengue case was reported on Oʻahu, with officials reminding residents to reduce standing water to limit mosquito breeding.

Energy & Investment: Singapore fuel distributor Global Group has started building its first Timor-Leste fuel storage terminal in Liquica, a US$10 million project with 10-month construction and plans to expand capacity later. Oil & Gas Regulation: Timor-Leste’s ANP has approved Finder Energy’s field development plan for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal Project, paving the way toward a final investment decision. Mining Watch: Estrella Resources reports very high-grade copper samples at its Sica prospect in Timor-Leste, plus copper-silver finds at Daudere. Regional Cooperation (Fisheries): Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea are running a fisheries officer exchange to strengthen compliance and crack down on illegal fishing. Diplomacy/Regional Ties: Indonesia’s Megawati Soekarnoputri met Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in Dili, urging climate cooperation and joint initiatives. Travel Policy (Germany): Germany published its 2026 visa-free list of 62 countries, which includes Timor-Leste.

Timor-Leste Energy Update: Finder Energy says Timor-Leste’s petroleum regulator ANP has approved the field development plan for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) project in the Timor Sea, clearing the way for the joint venture to move toward a final investment decision after a phased plan built around redeploying the Petrojarl I FPSO, drilling three subsea production wells, and installing related infrastructure. Regional Diplomacy: Indonesia’s Megawati Soekarnoputri met Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in Dili, urging deeper cooperation on climate action, maritime work, and research, including a comparative study on nationalism through Indonesian institutions. Health Watch: A separate report notes Timor-Leste is among countries seeing dengue activity, while Hawai‘i health officials reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu—an alert for travellers to reduce mosquito-breeding standing water. Local Governance (Elsewhere): Cebu City Council reorganised committee chair assignments for FY 2026-2027, with the vice mayor saying the changes could limit his participation—an issue being watched for how minority voices are handled.

Timor-Leste Energy: ANP has approved Finder Energy’s field development plan for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) project in the Timor Sea, setting the stage for a final investment decision after a phased plan covering FPSO redevelopment, three subsea production wells, and related infrastructure. Offshore Gas Uncertainty: Sunda Energy says it has held clarification meetings with Timor-Leste’s upstream regulator ANP and Timor GAP after reports the government may terminate the TL-SO-19-16 production sharing contract tied to the Chuditch gas discovery, with the company now weighing next steps for the Chuditch-2 appraisal well. Regional Diplomacy: Indonesia’s Megawati Soekarnoputri met Timor-Leste PM Xanana Gusmao in Dili, urging joint climate action and research cooperation, including work through BRIN and a comparative study on nationalism. Travel & Health Watch: A separate report notes Timor-Leste among countries seeing dengue activity, underscoring travel-related health risk awareness.

Energy & Regulation: Timor-Leste’s upstream regulator ANP has approved Finder Energy’s field development plan for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) Project in the Timor Sea, clearing the way for the joint venture to move toward a final investment decision after redevelopment of the Petrojarl I FPSO, three subsea production wells, and related infrastructure. Diplomacy & Climate: Indonesia’s former president Megawati Soekarnoputri met Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in Dili, urging joint climate action, maritime cooperation, and a comparative study on nationalism through Indonesian institutions. Sports & Youth: Timor-Leste is listed among the participating countries for the Philippines-hosted Southeast Asian (SEA) Plus Youth Games, set for Dec. 2–14, 2027, aiming to bridge grassroots sport and major international competition. Public Health Reminder: A travel-related dengue case was reported on Oʻahu, with health officials stressing mosquito control and reducing standing water—an alert that also resonates for the region, where dengue is reported in places including Timor-Leste.

Oil & Gas Update: Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo has approved Finder Energy’s field development plan for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) project in the Timor Sea, clearing the way for the joint venture to move toward a final investment decision. The plan covers redeploying the Petrojarl I FPSO, drilling three subsea production wells, and installing related subsea infrastructure. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Indonesia’s former President Megawati Soekarnoputri met Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in Dili and urged deeper cooperation on climate action, maritime affairs, and research— including joint work to tackle El Niño and drought risks. Youth Sports & Regional Participation: The Philippines officially launched the SEA Plus Youth Games for athletes aged 16 and below, with Timor-Leste listed among the participating Southeast Asian nations for the 2027 event in Manila. Travel Health Alert: Hawai‘i health officials reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, noting Timor-Leste among countries seeing dengue activity and urging travelers to reduce mosquito breeding risks.

Health Alert: Timor-Leste’s AI-readiness is flagged as low in a new ILO report, which lists Timor-Leste among ASEAN countries with limited preparedness for generative AI—raising concerns about slower access to future productivity gains. Energy & Regulation: Finder Energy says Timor-Leste’s petroleum regulator has approved the field development plan for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oil project, a key step toward a final investment decision. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Indonesia’s Megawati Soekarnoputri received Timor-Leste’s highest civilian honor, the Grande Colar da Ordem de Timor-Leste, for helping normalize bilateral relations after independence. Travel & Tourism Pressure: A report on travel to Timor-Leste highlights practical hurdles for visitors—limited flight connections, higher costs, and accommodation challenges outside Dili—while noting growing interest in putting Timor-Leste on the tourist map.

Aviation Safety Watch: A new look at Indonesia’s airline safety shows how far carriers have come after years of bans and downgrades—though the reputation still lags behind the record. Justice & Digital Economy: Timor-Leste’s justice sector focus is echoed in a call for secured transactions registration to keep up with the digital economy, with a deputy minister stressing legal certainty for finance. Oil & Energy Development: Finder Energy says Timor-Leste’s regulator has approved the field development plan for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oil project, clearing the way toward a final investment decision. Tourism & Access: A tourism-focused report highlights how Singaporeans are helping put Timor-Leste on the map, while pointing to practical hurdles like limited flights, accommodation gaps outside Dili, and land ownership concerns for investors. Regional Diplomacy: Indonesia’s Megawati Soekarnoputri received Timor-Leste’s highest civilian honor for her role in normalizing relations after independence. Tech Readiness in ASEAN: An ILO-backed report flags Timor-Leste among ASEAN countries with relatively low AI readiness, citing gaps in digital infrastructure and institutional capacity.

Oil & Gas Regulation: Finder Energy says Timor-Leste’s petroleum regulator has approved its Kuda Tasi and Jahal field development plan, clearing the way toward a final investment decision and marking a major step for the first advanced offshore oilfield under the country’s sovereign regime. Tourism & Investment Climate: A new report highlights how Singaporeans are helping put Timor-Leste on the tourist map, but also flags practical hurdles like limited flight connections, higher costs, and investor concerns over land ownership rules. Bilateral Recognition: Indonesia’s Megawati Soekarnoputri received Timor-Leste’s highest civilian honor for helping normalize relations after independence, with President José Ramos-Horta praising her statesmanship. Regional Sports: Cambodia’s women’s team has begun preparations for the AFF Women’s Cup, with Timor-Leste in the same group—setting up a key match-up in Kuala Lumpur. Public Life & Safety: In Davao, authorities moved to investigate a viral jeepney confrontation and ordered stricter bus inspections after a Mawab fire—both reflecting tighter scrutiny on transport safety. Digital Readiness: An ILO-linked report flags Timor-Leste among ASEAN countries with relatively low AI readiness, pointing to gaps in digital infrastructure and institutional capacity.

Highest-level diplomacy: President José Ramos-Horta awarded Indonesia’s former leader Megawati Soekarnoputri Timor-Leste’s top civilian honor, praising her role in normalizing relations after independence. Regional tech readiness: An ILO report flags Timor-Leste among ASEAN countries with relatively low readiness for generative AI, pointing to gaps in digital infrastructure and institutions. Manpower and mobility: Singapore’s PM Wong reiterated plans to open selected sectors to East Timorese workers from 2027, alongside deeper cooperation on manpower, healthcare, and ASEAN integration. Energy and investment: HotCopper reports Timor-Leste-linked oil development momentum after Finder Energy said officials approved the Kuda Tasi and Jahal field development plan, clearing a key regulatory step. Sports and identity: Cambodia’s women’s team has Timor-Leste in its AFF Women’s Cup 2026 group, with the opener set for July 13 in Kuala Lumpur. Community mission: Australian couple Suzanne and Brenley Milsom received Timor-Leste’s Medal of Merit for more than a decade of church and education support.

East Timor–Australia ties: Queensland parishioners Suzanne and Brenley Milsom were awarded the Medal of Merit of East Timor for more than a decade of mission work, including sponsoring children, supporting church projects, and fundraising for schools. ASEAN football: Cambodia’s women’s team has begun preparations for the AFF Women’s Cup 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, drawn in Group B with Indonesia and Timor-Leste, opening against Timor-Leste on July 13. Singapore–East Timor labour deal: Singapore says it will open more labour channels for East Timorese workers from next year, aiming to ease manpower shortages while helping Dili better use its young workforce. Energy and development cooperation: Vietnam and Timor-Leste are promoting cooperation in legal affairs, justice, and digital transformation. Electricity upgrade in Dili: The government inaugurated a Comoro substation and a pilot underground cable project to strengthen Dili’s power supply. Regional security training: Australia’s AFP chief Krissy Barrett will pitch a “leaner” UN police training model, citing Timor-Leste as a successful example. Sports diplomacy: Timor-Leste is listed among teams taking part in Vietnam’s 13th Southeast Asian Karate Championships.

ASEAN Labour Deal: Singapore is set to open more labour channels to East Timor from next year, including construction, marine shipyard and process sectors, plus selected manufacturing and services roles—an “early-mover” move aimed at easing Singapore’s manpower crunch while helping Dili use its young workforce. Bilateral Diplomacy: Singapore and East Timor also moved to deepen cooperation across manpower, healthcare and ASEAN integration, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighting investment opportunities as the two countries strengthen ties. Electricity Upgrade in Dili: The government inaugurated the Comoro Substation and a pilot underground cable project to bolster Dili’s electricity supply. Skills for Jobs: Australia announced a new Pacific Australia Skills initiative worth FJD 359.8m for skills and vocational reform across the Pacific and Timor-Leste (2025–2029), focused on employment outcomes. Police Training Link: Australia’s AFP commissioner is set to pitch a faster, cheaper “lean” UN police peacekeeping training model—rolled out with Timor-Leste officers in Brisbane—at the UN Chiefs of Police summit.

Labour Deal Boost: Singapore says it will open more work channels for East Timorese next year, including construction, marine shipyard, process sectors, and selected manufacturing and services roles—aiming to ease Singapore’s manpower crunch while helping Dili use its young workforce. Bilateral Diplomacy: Vietnam and Timor-Leste met in Dili to push cooperation on legal affairs, judicial reform, digital transformation, and to make it easier for Vietnamese firms to invest. ASEAN Integration Push: The National Parliament approved resolutions strengthening Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN, as leaders continue to deepen regional ties. Electricity Upgrade in Dili: Government inaugurated a Comoro substation and a pilot underground cable project to strengthen the city’s power supply. Regional Skills Funding: Australia will spend about FJ$359.8m on skills development in Fiji and Timor-Leste from 2025–2029 under the Pacific Australia Skills initiative, focused on jobs and vocational reform. Peacekeeping Training Model: An AFP commissioner is set to pitch a faster, cheaper police training approach at the UN, noting it has already been used with Timor-Leste officers in Brisbane.

ASEAN Labour Deal: Singapore will open more job channels to East Timor next year, including construction, marine shipyard and process sectors, plus selected manufacturing and services roles—an “early-mover” push meant to ease Singapore’s manpower crunch while helping Dili use its young workforce. Justice & Digital Cooperation: Vietnam’s charge d’affaires met Timor-Leste’s justice minister in Dili to discuss legal affairs, judicial reform, and digital transformation, offering Vietnam’s decades of reform experience and support through bilateral and ASEAN mechanisms. Police Training for UN Missions: Australia’s AFP commissioner Krissy Barrett will urge UN member states to adopt a leaner, five-week police peacekeeping training model—already used with Timor-Leste officers in Brisbane—aimed at making missions more sustainable. Humanitarian Partnership: Caritas Australia welcomed a Timor-Leste delegation led by foreign affairs minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas, reaffirming long-running church-and-community support for people facing conflict, recovery, and development needs. Diplomatic Ties: Singapore’s PM Lawrence Wong’s recent trip underscores expanding cooperation with Timor-Leste as both sides deepen manpower, healthcare, and broader ASEAN integration.

UN Policing Push: AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett will urge UN member states to adopt Australia’s “leaner” police peacekeeping training model, citing a successful residential UN-accredited program in Brisbane that upskilled more than 100 Pacific officers including Timor-Leste participants, with a 73% pass rate, and a second 50-officer course starting 27 July. Manpower & Growth: Singapore’s PM Lawrence Wong says Singapore will open construction, marine shipyard, process sectors and selected manufacturing/services occupations to East Timorese workers from next year, aiming to ease Singapore’s manpower needs while supporting Dili’s youth and diversification plans. Legal Cooperation: Vietnam’s Charge d’Affaires met Timor-Leste’s justice minister in Dili to discuss legal affairs, judicial reform, digital transformation, and support for Vietnamese investment, offering lessons from Vietnam’s decades of renewal. Humanitarian Partnership: Caritas Australia welcomed a Timor-Leste delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas, reaffirming long-running Church-and-community support across conflict recovery and development. Regional Context: ASEAN economic news notes Vietnam and the Philippines moving to upper-middle-income status, leaving Timor-Leste among the remaining lower-middle-income ASEAN members.