AGP Executive Report

Climate Action: President José Ramos-Horta urged COP31 to turn climate pledges into funding and practical support for vulnerable Pacific nations, warning that climate finance remains too slow and difficult to access. Foreign Relations: Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas met Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow during an official visit, with the countries looking to deepen political, economic and humanitarian ties. Trade and Investment: Timor-Leste and Indonesia’s Bali province are exploring cooperation in tourism, agriculture, livestock and trade, building on closer regional ties after Timor-Leste joined ASEAN. Exports: Timor-Leste has begun shipping Laga-produced salt to New Zealand, with a first consignment of 300 tonnes aimed at growing local production and export opportunities. Education: Timor-Leste and the Philippines signed an agreement to expand higher-education cooperation, including scholarships, student exchanges, research and credit transfers.

Foreign Affairs: Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas met Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, discussing bilateral ties as the two countries prepare to mark 25 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. Climate Diplomacy: Timor-Leste’s president joined Pacific leaders at the pre-COP31 gathering in Fiji and Tuvalu, where leaders called for faster, more accessible climate finance; only two leaders from outside the Pacific attended. Trade: Timor-Leste and Indonesia’s Bali province are exploring cooperation in tourism, agriculture, livestock and trade, building on stronger economic ties after Timor-Leste joined ASEAN. New Export: Timor-Leste has shipped its first 300 tonnes of Laga salt to New Zealand, a step toward diversifying exports and developing the local industry. Education: A new agreement with the Philippines will expand university exchanges, scholarships, research and cooperation between higher-education institutions. Mining: Estrella Resources is selling its Western Australian nickel rights for A$3 million in shares, allowing it to focus more on its Timor-Leste projects in manganese, copper, gold and limestone.

Pre-COP31 diplomacy and turnout: Australia’s climate push in Fiji is getting awkward scrutiny after reports that only Timor-Leste’s president and Mauritius’ leader joined the key leaders’ event in Tuvalu, leaving Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Minister Chris Bowen to justify a reported $20m-plus bill. Timor-Leste–Russia talks: In Moscow, Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas met Sergey Lavrov, who said Russia is “keeping its guard up” over NATO statements and warned of consequences tied to Kaliningrad. ASEAN economic momentum: Indonesia and Timor-Leste are moving to expand trade and cooperation after Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession, with tourism, agriculture and livestock flagged as near-term priorities. Regional connectivity spotlight: A report on Darwin’s growing role in Asia-Pacific data links Dili as a major route, underscoring Timor-Leste’s rising connectivity profile. Education cooperation: Timor-Leste and the Philippines signed an MoU to boost higher-education mobility, scholarships, research and credit transfer. New exports: Timor-Leste began exporting Laga salt to New Zealand, aiming to cut import dependence and create jobs. Security crackdown: Investigators detained 16 people in Dili over an alleged Japanese police impersonation scam targeting victims abroad.

Diplomacy in Moscow: Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow is “keeping its guard up” over NATO’s reported war preparations, speaking after talks with Timor-Leste’s FM Bendito Freitas and reiterating Russia’s focus on protecting against threats from Western neighbors. Climate finance pressure: Pacific leaders at Pre-COP31 in Fiji warned that slow, insufficient climate funding is leaving them exposed to rising seas and failing water supplies, using Tuvalu’s sea-reclamation work as a stark example of what’s at stake. Timor-Leste in regional talks: Timor-Leste and the Philippines signed an MoU to boost higher-education cooperation, including mobility, scholarships, research, quality assurance, and credit transfer. Trade push: Timor-Leste began exporting Laga salt to New Zealand (300 tonnes), aiming to cut import dependence and grow jobs through private-sector-led production. Security crackdown: Timor-Leste investigators detained 16 people in Dili over a telecom scam allegedly impersonating Japanese police to target victims in Japan. Energy outlook: Timor-Leste is considering a second LNG project on the south coast, even as work continues toward its first LNG development.

Higher Education Ties: Timor-Leste and the Philippines signed an MoU to boost academic mobility, scholarships, research, quality assurance, curriculum work, and credit transfer. Trade & Industry: Timor-Leste began exporting Laga salt to New Zealand, with 300 tonnes shipped from Tibar Bay Port as part of efforts to grow local production and jobs. Bilateral Cooperation: Timor-Leste and the United Arab Emirates agreed to deepen further cooperation, building on existing links. Security & Justice: Investigators in Dili detained 16 people over a telecom scam allegedly impersonating Japanese police, seizing fake uniforms, a Japanese-language call script, and other props used to pressure victims. Energy & Infrastructure: Timor-Leste is also planning a second LNG project, with officials discussing a potential smaller liquefaction push alongside the larger Greater Sunrise development. Climate Diplomacy: Timor-Leste’s José Ramos-Horta is among the few non-Pacific leaders expected at Pre-COP31 in Tuvalu and Fiji, as organizers push for stronger action ahead of COP31.

Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s pre-COP31 push in Fiji and Tuvalu is drawing limited outside-Pacific leader turnout, with Timor-Leste’s José Ramos-Horta among the few confirmed non-Pacific leaders—raising questions about whether the message on rising seas and climate finance will land ahead of COP31 in Turkey. Public Health & Regional Politics: Nepal is preparing to nominate Dr Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra for the WHO South-East Asia regional chief post after Saima Wazed’s resignation, with Timor-Leste among the countries expected to vote. Energy & Cost Pressures: A regional ASEAN survey finds rising energy prices and cost of living top public worries, while concern over energy shortages is also climbing—Timor-Leste included in the poll. Security & Justice: Timor-Leste investigators dismantled a cross-border telecom fraud ring in Dili, detaining 16 suspects accused of impersonating Japanese police in “digital arrest” scams. Infrastructure & Services: Government monitoring continues on a pilot classroom build in Tasitolu using modular block technology, while a new water supply system in Laleia is now serving about 2,700 people. Energy Projects: Timor-Leste is also exploring a second LNG liquefaction project on the south coast, alongside work tied to offshore surveys.

Timor-Leste in ASEAN climate talks: World powers are sending delegates to Nadi, Fiji (Oct 5–8) to set the course for COP31 in Turkey, with Pacific leaders pushing for 1.5°C, better climate finance, and stronger focus on ocean impacts; Timor-Leste is among the confirmed outside-Pacific leaders. Climate diplomacy scrutiny: A Reuters report says Australia’s pre-COP push is falling short, with few non-Pacific leaders planning to attend—though East Timor is confirmed. Energy costs weigh on the region: A Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey (first to include Timor-Leste) found 44.6% of respondents most worried about rising energy prices and living costs, while 26.1% flagged energy shortages. Local government delivery: The Timor-Leste government monitored a pilot classroom build in Tasitolu using modular “Block Solutions” tech, and inaugurated a new Laleia water supply system serving about 2,700 people. Diplomacy and water security: UAE Minister Noura Al Kaabi met Timor-Leste FM Bendito Freitas in Abu Dhabi, agreeing to keep working on digitisation, people-to-people ties, and water security ahead of the UN Water Conference in December. UN police readiness: Pacific and Timor-Leste police officers graduated from a UN Police peacekeeping training in Brisbane, with an 83% pass rate.

COP31 Climate Prep: World powers are sending delegates to Fiji for Oct 5–8 pre-COP talks on COP31 in Turkey, with Pacific leaders pushing for a 1.5°C goal, more climate finance, and urgent action on rising seas—while Australia and Turkey face criticism for hosting talks without matching coal phase-down ambition. Timor-Leste in the Climate Mix: Timor-Leste is among the confirmed leaders expected for the Fiji/Tuvalu meeting, underscoring the country’s growing role in regional climate diplomacy. ASEAN Energy Worries: A regional survey says rising energy prices and cost of living are the top concern across Southeast Asia (44.6%), with energy shortages also climbing—Timor-Leste included in the 2026 poll. Government Delivery at Home: Dili’s Tasitolu gets a pilot classroom build using modular “Block Solutions” tech, while Laleia (Manatuto) has a new water supply system serving about 2,700 people. Planning and Accountability: The government launched the 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and the PED monitoring report, setting national priorities and targets for the next four years. UN Police Training: Pacific and Timor-Leste police officers graduated from a UN Police peacekeeping program in Brisbane, boosting mission readiness.

Government Delivery Watch: The Government inspected a pilot classroom build in Tasitolu, Dili—nine new classrooms and four toilets using modular “Block Solutions” to speed up delivery and cut transport burdens. Water Security: In Laleia, Manatuto, a new water supply system was inaugurated to serve about 2,700 people across 450 households, with reservoirs, pipelines, and connections for schools and the health centre. National Planning: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão launched the 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and the PED 2011–2024 progress report, setting ten national priorities across economic, infrastructure, social, and institutional pillars. Diplomacy & Cooperation: Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister Noura Al Kaabi met counterparts in Abu Dhabi to push digitisation, people-to-people ties, and water security ahead of the UN Water Conference. Regional Climate Focus: World powers are meeting in Fiji to set the course for COP31, with Pacific leaders warning that sea-level rise and a major climate finance gap are already reshaping lives. UN Police Readiness: UN Police Peacekeeping training graduated Pacific and Timor-Leste officers in Brisbane, boosting mission-ready capacity. ASEAN Survey: A regional poll found rising energy prices and cost of living top public worries, with Timor-Leste included in the 2026 survey.

Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: World powers are sending delegates to Fiji for Oct 5–8 talks setting the agenda for COP31 in Turkey, with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C goal, better climate finance, and urgent action on rising seas. Timor-Leste in the Climate Spotlight: A Reuters report says East Timor is among the few non-Pacific leaders confirmed for the pre-COP leaders’ segment in Tuvalu and Fiji, underscoring how thin attendance is despite the region’s climate stakes. ASEAN Energy Worries: A regional survey found rising energy prices and cost of living are the top concern in Southeast Asia, with Timor-Leste included for the first time. Government Delivery on the Ground: In Dili, ministries monitored a Tasitolu pilot building nine classrooms and four toilets using modular block technology; in Laleia, a new water supply system is serving about 2,700 people. Planning for 2027–2030: The government launched the National Medium-Term Plan 2027–2030 and the PED monitoring report, with PM Xanana Gusmão calling it an accountability push. Water Security Cooperation: Timor-Leste’s foreign minister met UAE officials to discuss digitisation, people-to-people ties, and water security ahead of a UN water conference in Abu Dhabi. UN Police Training: Pacific and Timor-Leste officers graduated from a UN Police peacekeeping program in Brisbane, preparing for mission-ready deployment.

ASEAN Energy Anxiety: A regional Climate Outlook Survey 2026 says rising energy prices and living costs are the top worry in Southeast Asia (44.6%), with energy shortages next (26.1%). The survey also notes Timor-Leste was included for the first time, reflecting how regional shocks are hitting everyday life. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: World powers are sending delegates to pre-COP31 talks in Fiji (Oct 5–8) to push the climate agenda ahead of COP31 in Turkey, with Pacific leaders urging stronger action on 1.5°C, climate finance, and ocean impacts. Timor-Leste Water & Schools: The government monitored a pilot classroom build in Tasitolu using modular “Block Solutions” tech, and inaugurated a new Laleia water supply system serving about 2,700 people. National Planning Push: Timor-Leste launched its 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and the progress report for the 2011–2024 Strategic Development Plan, with priorities tied to budgets. Diplomacy & Cooperation: UAE Minister Noura Al Kaabi met Timor-Leste’s foreign minister, focusing on digitisation, people-to-people ties, and water security ahead of a UN water conference. UN Police Training: Timor-Leste and Pacific officers graduated from a UN Police peacekeeping training program in Brisbane, marking new mission-ready readiness.

ASEAN Energy Transition: A new Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey says rising energy prices and cost of living are the top worry, cited by 44.6% of respondents, with energy shortages next at 26.1%; the 2026 survey included Timor-Leste for the first time, polling 3,706 people across 11 ASEAN states. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: World powers are set to meet in Nadi, Fiji (Oct 5–8) ahead of COP31 in Turkey, as Pacific leaders push for 1.5°C, more climate finance, and stronger focus on ocean impacts. Timor-Leste Foreign Engagement: UAE Minister of State Noura Al Kaabi met Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas in Abu Dhabi, agreeing to keep moving on government digitisation, people-to-people ties, and water security ahead of the UN Water Conference (Dec 8–10). Education & Water in Dili and Manatuto: Government teams monitored a Tasitolu school pilot using modular block technology to build nine classrooms and four toilets; in Laleia, a new water supply system was inaugurated to serve about 2,700 people. National Planning: The government launched the 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and reported progress on the 2011–2024 PED, setting priorities across economic diversification, infrastructure, social development, and institutions. UN Police Training: Pacific and Timor-Leste officers graduated from a UN peacekeeping program in Brisbane, with an 83% pass rate.

Energy & Cost of Living: A Southeast Asia Climate Outlook survey says rising energy prices and living costs are still the top worry, with 44.6% of respondents citing them, while concern about energy shortages has climbed to 26.1%—and Timor-Leste is included for the first time. Climate Diplomacy: A Reuters report says Australia’s push to spotlight Pacific climate leaders ahead of COP31 is falling short, with confirmed outside-Pacific leaders including East Timor among the few. Disaster Finance & Resilience: ERIA and Vietnam’s ISPAE held a regional workshop in Ho Chi Minh City on innovative disaster finance for climate-resilient growth, with Timor-Leste participating as a full ASEAN member. Older Persons & Longevity: The UN marked International Day of Older Persons with a call to overhaul systems for longer lives, urging governments and society to protect dignity and security as populations age. Child Rights: The UN Child Rights Committee released findings on Timor-Leste under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, setting out concerns and recommendations. Health & Water Security: Timor-Leste-linked coverage highlights practical water and sanitation preparedness as El Niño risks intensify across the region. Offshore Energy Survey: Timor-Leste’s petroleum ministry selected TDI-Brooks for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore to support Greater Sunrise pipeline routing, with field work expected to start mid-January 2027.

ASEAN and Timor-Leste diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met President José Ramos-Horta at the UNGA margins to discuss deeper ties with Solomon Islands, with Ramos-Horta pointing to Timor-Leste’s sovereign fund as a model for stability. Regional development and training: UNSW and Permatil trained UNTL staff and students to survey water catchment topography for better catchment modelling, aiming to improve rural food and water security. Health cooperation: Timor-Leste and Cuba extended a health-sector cooperation agreement, building on existing collaboration. Energy and offshore work: Timor-Leste’s petroleum ministry selected TDI-Brooks (with THI) for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore to support TLNG pipeline routing and Bayu-Undan pipeline planning, with fieldwork set for mid-January 2027. Governance: The Council of Ministers endorsed Timor-Leste’s Universal Periodic Review state report for UN submission and authorised budget spending for the Tasi Mane South Coast project. International representation: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste presented credentials, pledging deeper cooperation and support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration.

Health Diplomacy: Timor-Leste and Cuba extended their cooperation agreement in the health sector, building on existing ties. Cabinet Watch: The Council of Ministers endorsed Timor-Leste’s Universal Periodic Review State Report for UN submission and approved major spending and procurement steps for the Tasi Mane Project on the south coast. Energy & Offshore Work: Timor-Leste’s petroleum regulator selected TDI-Brooks (with THI) for light geotechnical and environmental baseline surveys offshore to support Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan pipeline routing, with field work set to start mid-January 2027. Oil Project Progress: Finder Energy cleared another hurdle as Timor-Leste approved the Environmental Impact Statement for its Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, moving the project closer to FID. Regional Links: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste presented credentials, signaling deeper bilateral cooperation and support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration. Sports & Culture: The government rolled out a packed cultural and sporting calendar for the month, while Timor-Leste is also set to feature in Lusofonia-related events abroad.

ASEAN Integration: Cambodia’s Senate unanimously approved draft laws tied to the Cebu Protocol, paving the way for Timor-Leste’s full ASEAN membership and deeper regional legal alignment. Energy & Environment: Timor-Leste’s petroleum authority approved the Environmental Impact Statement for Finder Energy’s Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, a major step as the project moves toward final investment decision. Oil & Gas Surveys: Fugro won additional Timor-Leste survey work for Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan pipeline routes, with geotechnical and metocean fieldwork planned for 2027. Diplomacy: Vietnam appointed its first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste, signaling fresh momentum in bilateral ties and ASEAN cooperation. International Spotlight: Timor-Leste was listed in FIFA’s U-15 World Cup group in Azerbaijan, with the tournament set for late October. Regional Context: Timor-Leste also welcomed Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan at the UN, while reiterating support for self-determination and dialogue.