AGP Executive Report

ASEAN Anniversary & Timor-Leste’s Role: ASEAN marked its 59th anniversary with a push for unity and resilience, and highlighted Timor-Leste’s first year as the bloc’s 11th member as a sign the community is getting more inclusive. China-ASEAN Ties: ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said the bloc wants closer strategic alignment with China, with deeper cooperation in trade, investment, the digital economy, and people-to-people exchanges. Regional Solidarity Message: Kao also stressed that ASEAN’s relevance depends on strengthening unity from within as geopolitical and economic pressures spill across borders. US Partnership in Timor-Leste: A U.S. Army Pacific official visited Timor-Leste to deepen land-force ties and explore aligning future USARPAC activities with Timor-Leste priorities. Maritime Security Boost (Pacific): Australia awarded a $36 million contract for mariner training to support Navy crews in the Pacific, part of a wider maritime security push. ASEAN Culture Link: Timor-Leste is set to participate in the ASEAN Film Festival in Hong Kong with short films on intangible musical heritage.

ASEAN Anniversary & Timor-Leste’s Integration: ASEAN marked its 59th anniversary with a big focus on unity and resilience, and Timor-Leste joining as the bloc’s 11th member was a central theme across Jakarta events. ASEAN-India Ties: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar used ASEAN Day to reaffirm deeper cooperation under the Act East policy, highlighting connectivity, trade, digital links, defence, education and cultural exchanges. ASEAN Culture Spotlight: Timor-Leste will take part in the ASEAN Film Festival 2026 in Hong Kong for the first time, with short films focused on intangible musical heritage, alongside more than 30 films from across ASEAN. Regional Security Partnerships: A U.S. Army Pacific delegation visited Dili to strengthen land-force ties with Timor-Leste and align future USARPAC activities with local priorities. Energy & Investment: Timor-Leste’s government met Woodside executives to discuss the Greater Sunrise project and how it can support long-term economic development. INTERFET Memorial Planning: Timor-Leste also met Australian representatives on plans for a future INTERFET memorial in Dili, including preserving the legacy of the peacekeeping mission.

ASEAN Anniversary & Timor-Leste’s Role: ASEAN marked its 59th anniversary with calls for unity and stronger regional cooperation, with leaders stressing ASEAN’s “centrality” and people-first delivery as Timor-Leste joins as the bloc’s 11th member. Foreign Policy & Regional Ties: Laos’ deputy prime minister and India’s external affairs minister both used ASEAN Day to reaffirm commitments to peace, stability, and deeper economic and connectivity links. Timor-Leste in the Spotlight: Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession is also being framed as a boost for inclusion and broader community strength, with multiple partners highlighting the country’s growing regional integration. Digital Governance: In Dili, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão ordered creation of an interministerial committee to coordinate cybersecurity and digitalisation of state services. Energy & Investment: Timor-Leste’s government met Woodside to discuss cooperation on the Greater Sunrise project. Cybersecurity Coordination: The new committee brings justice, interior, intelligence, police, and telecom regulators into one policy drive. Regional Connectivity: Australia says it has helped connect all Pacific Islands Forum members to undersea cable networks, including support for Timor-Leste.

ASEAN & Timor-Leste Integration: Timor-Leste marked ASEAN’s 59th anniversary as the bloc’s newest member, with leaders stressing ASEAN’s role in peace, stability and people-centred progress. Regional Security & Diplomacy: The USARPAC leadership visit to Dili focused on strengthening military-to-military ties and aligning future activities with Timor-Leste priorities. Cybersecurity Push: The Prime Minister signed an order creating an interministerial committee to coordinate cybersecurity and digitalisation of state services. Energy & Industry: Timor-Leste’s first oilfield project in years is set to receive the Petrojarl I FPSO for upgrade work, with the vessel expected to enter a shipyard in early 2027. Connectivity Milestone: Cabos de Timor-Leste has commercially opened the Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable System, giving the country its first international subsea connection for customers. Greater Sunrise Talks: A meeting in Dili between Timor-Leste officials and Woodside discussed the Greater Sunrise project and long-term economic cooperation. PALM Labour Scheme: The Council of Ministers reviewed PALM, including Timorese participation targets and ongoing concerns about protecting workers’ rights and well-being. Sports (ASEAN Championship): Singapore advanced to the ASEAN Championship semi-finals after a 1-1 draw with Indonesia; Timor-Leste’s earlier group results were part of the same campaign.

Cybersecurity Push: Timor-Leste’s Council of Ministers has approved the creation of an Interministerial Committee on Cybersecurity and the Digitalisation of State Services (CICDE), chaired by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and tasked with coordinating national policy on cyber and digital government. Digital Connectivity: Cabos de Timor-Leste has commercially opened the Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable System, giving the country its first international subsea connection for customers and adding a new alternative to satellite and microwave links. INTERFET Memorial Planning: The government met with the Office of the President and Australia to advance the future INTERFET Memorial in Dili, with the former INTERFET heliport near the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace identified as the site. Greater Sunrise Talks: Minister Agio Pereira met Woodside’s EVP Julie Fallon to strengthen cooperation on the Greater Sunrise project and discuss its long-term economic value for Timor-Leste. Regional Labour Focus: Ministers also reviewed the PALM scheme, including Timorese worker participation, rights concerns, and plans to grow numbers to 10,000 by 2028.

Telecom Leap for Timor-Leste: Cabos de Timor-Leste has commercially opened the Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable System, linking Dili to Vocus’ North West Cable off Australia and giving the country its first international subsea connection for customers. Regional Diplomacy: The Council of Ministers met in Dili and heard updates on Australia’s PALM labour mobility scheme, including plans to raise Timorese participation to 10,000 by 2028 while addressing workers’ rights and complaints. Energy Watch: Finder Energy says the Petrojarl I FPSO for Timor-Leste’s KTJ project is expected to enter a shipyard in early 2027 for upgrades and a 10-year life extension. Security Planning: PNG Prime Minister James Marape asked Timor-Leste to provide 200 defence personnel for a proposed multinational force to help secure PNG’s 2027 election. Human Rights Education: Timor-Leste sponsored a UN-linked summit marking the 25th anniversary of Youth for Human Rights International, pushing human rights teaching for peace. Sports (ASEAN): Timor-Leste’s campaign continues to be referenced in ASEAN Championship Group A scenarios as Singapore and Indonesia fight for semi-final spots.

Telecoms & Connectivity: Cabos de Timor-Leste has commercially opened the Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable System, linking Dili to Vocus’ North West Cable System off Australia—Timor-Leste’s first international subsea connection for customers, with government and operators already testing it. Maritime Law & Security: Indonesia, at an international naval discussion in Jakarta with Timor-Leste, urged stronger compliance with marine environmental rules during armed conflict and clearer guidance on protecting dual-use infrastructure like undersea cables. Regional Cooperation: Papua New Guinea plans to request about 200 Timor-Leste defence personnel to help supervise PNG’s next general election, as part of a wider multinational election security and observation effort. Sports: Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Championship campaign continues to be shaped by results around Group A, with the team already eliminated after heavy defeats. Health & Access: A report notes Indonesia’s very low medical opioid use compared with Timor-Leste, highlighting barriers to patient access to pain treatment.

Timor-Leste–Portugal ties: Timor-Leste and Portugal moved to strengthen economic and tourism cooperation, signaling fresh momentum for cross-border investment and visitor flows. Regional security: Papua New Guinea plans to request 200 Timor-Leste defence personnel to help supervise PNG’s next general election, as part of a wider multinational election security and observation effort. Border crime crackdown: Indonesia, Australia and Timor-Leste agreed to boost police intelligence-sharing and joint response systems to tackle transnational crime along border routes, including trafficking, smuggling, theft and illegal crossings. Health and access: A new report highlights how medical opioid use remains far lower in Indonesia than in Timor-Leste, pointing to policy barriers that can limit patient access to essential pain treatment. Environment: Timor-Leste is included in a major conservation review warning that most Asian oak species lack living backups in botanical collections, underscoring urgent protection needs across East and Southeast Asia. Sports: Timor-Leste’s national team was again in the spotlight in the ASEAN Championship, including a heavy defeat to Vietnam in Group A.

Diplomacy & Culture: Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry is hosting 12 ASEAN youth under its Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship, including participants from Timor-Leste, to boost people-to-people ties through cultural exchange. Sports: In the ASEAN Championship, Vietnam extended its unbeaten A-match run to 21 with a 3-0 win over Indonesia, while Cambodia beat Timor-Leste 3-0 in Phnom Penh. Regional Security: PNG plans to request 200 defence personnel from Timor-Leste to help supervise next year’s election as part of a wider multinational security and observation effort. Health Access: A report highlights how Indonesia restricts access to medical opioids, noting Timor-Leste’s higher opioid use levels in comparison. Education Safety: In the Philippines, online threats have disrupted classes in multiple schools, with police tracing posts—an issue that echoes broader regional concerns about school security and misinformation.

Regional Security: Papua New Guinea plans to request 200 defence personnel from Timor-Leste to help supervise PNG’s 2027 general election, as part of a wider 1,000-strong multinational election security and observation effort. Cross-Border Crime Fight: Indonesia, Australia and Timor-Leste agreed to strengthen police intelligence-sharing and joint responses to transnational crime along the border, including trafficking, smuggling, and illegal crossings. Sports—ASEAN Championship: Vietnam extended its unbeaten run to 21 matches with a 3-0 win over Indonesia, while Cambodia beat Timor-Leste 3-0 in the other Group A game—leaving Timor-Leste still searching for points. Education & Community: Timor-Leste and Portugal strengthened economic and tourism cooperation, and Timor-Leste’s army is reported to be building an all-women unit. Health & Environment: Timor-Leste was certified malaria-free by WHO, and conservation efforts continue with a focus on mangroves and ecosystem restoration.

Maritime Security: Indonesia, Australia and Timor-Leste agreed to boost police intelligence-sharing and joint responses to border crimes, including trafficking, smuggling, and illegal crossings. UN Peacekeeping Training: UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix launched a new AFP-led UN Police Peacekeeping course for 50 officers from Timor-Leste and Pacific nations. Sports (ASEAN Championship): Cambodia beat Timor-Leste 3-0 in Group A, while Vietnam’s 3-0 win over Indonesia put the title holders on track toward the semis. Lusophone Tourism Business: CPLP tourism ministers, meeting in Dili, backed a new CPLP Business and Investment Forum on tourism to strengthen connectivity and support youth and women-led enterprises. Education & Gender Equality: Timor-Leste’s “Government Page” TV episode will feature the Secretary of State for Equality on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and violence prevention. Health & Study Abroad: Timor-Leste’s ambassador to India said more than 600 Indian students are studying MBBS in Dili at about Rs 18 lakh, with partnerships at UCT and UNPAZ.

ASEAN Football: Cambodia beat Timor-Leste 3-0 in Group A of the ASEAN Championship in Phnom Penh, with Hav Soknet scoring twice (16th, 63rd) and Mon Rado adding a late header (90th), leaving Timor-Leste still winless in the group. Regional Diplomacy: Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste leaders held talks on boosting regional security cooperation and expanding higher education, including a proposal for Timor-Leste to provide 200 defence personnel for PNG’s 2027 election security force and a dollar-for-dollar scholarship plan. Security Training: The UN’s Jean-Pierre Lacroix officially launched a UN Police Peacekeeping course for 50 Pacific and Timor-Leste officers in Australia, aiming to prepare mission-ready UN police peacekeepers. Lusophone Tourism Push: CPLP tourism ministers, meeting in Dili, agreed to set up a Business and Investment Forum on tourism to strengthen youth entrepreneurship, women-led MSMEs, and connectivity across member states. Education & Health Links: Timor-Leste’s ambassador to India said the country offers MBBS for about Rs 18 lakh, with more than 600 Indian students studying in Dili at partner universities.

Malaria Milestone: The WHO has certified Timor-Leste malaria-free, praising years of political will, targeted interventions, and health-worker effort that helped drive cases from 223,000 to zero. Regional Security Talks: Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste leaders met to strengthen security cooperation, including a proposal for Timor-Leste to provide 200 defence personnel for PNG’s 2027 election force, plus a joint scholarship plan to expand higher education links. Lusophone Tourism Push: Portugal-speaking countries set up a tourism business and investment forum in Dili, aiming to boost youth entrepreneurship, women-led MSMEs, and connectivity across member states. Education & Health Cooperation: Timor-Leste’s ambassador to India says the country offers MBBS training at about Rs 18 lakh, with more than 600 Indian students studying in Dili under partner universities. Sports (ASEAN): Cambodia beat Timor-Leste 3-0 in the ASEAN Championship Group A match in Phnom Penh, leaving Timor-Leste still searching for points.

UN Police Peacekeeping: UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix officially launched a UN Police Peacekeeping course in Australia for 50 officers from Pacific countries including Timor-Leste, training them over five weeks for mission-ready service. CPLP Tourism Push: Tourism ministers from Portuguese-speaking countries met in Dili and set up a CPLP Business and Investment Forum on tourism, aiming to boost youth entrepreneurship and MSMEs while improving regional connectivity. Health Milestone: WHO certified Timor-Leste malaria-free, praising years of sustained political will and community-led interventions that cut cases from 223,000 to zero. Education & Mobility: Timor-Leste and PNG leaders discussed security cooperation for PNG’s 2027 election and a joint scholarship plan to expand Timorese study opportunities in fields like law, mining engineering, and tropical medicine. Justice Access: A Philippine lawmaker renewed calls to translate penal laws into Filipino, Bisaya, and Ilokano—citing Timor-Leste among countries using national languages for enforcement. Sports Diplomacy: The Philippines invited Timor-Leste to join major youth and cycling events, using sport to strengthen ASEAN ties. MBBS for Indians: Timor-Leste’s ambassador to India said the country offers MBBS at about Rs 18 lakh, with more than 600 Indian students already studying in Dili.

Malaria Milestone: WHO has certified Timor-Leste malaria-free, praising years of political will, targeted interventions, and dedicated health workers after the country drove cases from 223,000 to zero. ASEAN Membership Talk: ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said Bangladesh is unlikely to join under the bloc’s current charter, while Timor-Leste is described as the final new member under the existing framework. Australia–Timor-Leste Reform Support: Australia and Timor-Leste reaffirmed backing for PROSIVU Phase Two (2026–2028), aiming to strengthen public institutions, economic governance, and public financial management, with deeper ASEAN integration. Sports Diplomacy: The Philippines’ sports commission is set to invite Timor-Leste to the 2027 Tour of Luzon and the first Mindanao Youth Games, using sport to build regional ties. Football Results: Indonesia beat Timor-Leste 3-0 in the AFF Cup, leaving Timor-Leste at the bottom of Group A as Singapore and Indonesia lead. Defence Training: New Zealand has deployed eight army instructors to help train an all-female Timor-Leste Defence Force platoon at Baucau.

Malaria Milestone: The WHO has certified Timor-Leste malaria-free, praising years of political will and health-worker effort that helped drive cases from 223,000 to zero. Anti-Trafficking Push: The public can now report suspected human trafficking directly to police through a new online portal, as authorities warn traffickers increasingly recruit via social media. Sports Diplomacy: Timor-Leste is set to join major Philippine events—the 2027 Tour of Luzon and the first Mindanao Youth Games—boosting people-to-people ties through sport. ASEAN Football: Indonesia beat Timor-Leste 3-0 in the AFF Cup, while Singapore’s draw with Vietnam keeps the group race tight. Defence Training: New Zealand has deployed eight instructors to train an all-female Timor-Leste Defence Force platoon at Baucau. Energy Survey: Fugro will carry out major underwater surveys to support Greater Sunrise and Bayu Undan offshore infrastructure planning. Reform Partnership: Australia and Timor-Leste reaffirmed support for PROSIVU Phase Two to strengthen institutions, governance, and public administration.