AGP Executive Report

Climate Diplomacy: Timor-Leste’s president joined Pacific leaders at the Pre-COP31 meeting in Tuvalu, where they urged faster climate action and easier access to funding. Timor-Leste was one of only two countries from outside the Pacific whose leader attended. Foreign Affairs: Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas met Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow to discuss bilateral ties. Lavrov used their joint news conference to warn that Russia was monitoring NATO; no specific outcomes from the talks were reported. Regional Ties: Timor-Leste and Indonesia are exploring cooperation in tourism, agriculture, livestock and trade, building on closer ties after Timor-Leste joined ASEAN. Trade and Education: Timor-Leste has begun exporting 300 tonnes of Laga salt to New Zealand, while a new agreement with the Philippines aims to expand scholarships, research and university exchanges. Law Enforcement: Authorities detained 16 people in Dili over an alleged phone scam targeting people in Japan.

Diplomacy in Moscow: Russia’s FM Sergey Lavrov met East Timor’s foreign minister Bendito Freitas and said Moscow is “keeping its guard up” over NATO’s reported war plans, while also stressing Russia’s focus on preventing threats from Western neighbors. Pre-COP31 Climate Push: Pacific leaders used the Fiji-Tuvalu pre-COP31 track to press for faster, fairer climate finance, pointing to sea-level impacts and slow delivery of adaptation funds. Timor-Leste at the Table: Australia’s pre-COP31 leaders’ event in Tuvalu will include only two non-Pacific heads—Timor-Leste’s José Ramos-Horta among them—highlighting how limited turnout may shape the push for COP31 action. Economic Links: Bali and Timor-Leste discussed expanding cooperation in tourism, agriculture, livestock and trade as ties deepen after Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession. Security & Justice: Timor-Leste detained 16 suspects in Dili over an alleged scam operation impersonating Japanese police to target victims in Japan. Trade & Industry: Timor-Leste launched exports of Laga salt to New Zealand and is also considering a second LNG project, with procurement steps already underway.

Pre-COP31 Climate Diplomacy: Russia’s FM Sergey Lavrov met East Timor’s FM Bendito Freitas in Moscow, with both sides highlighting deepening political dialogue, trade ties and humanitarian cooperation as East Timor’s leaders push for stronger global action ahead of COP31. Climate Summit Attendance: Australia’s Pre-COP31 push is drawing limited non-Pacific leader turnout for the Tuvalu and Fiji events, with Timor-Leste’s president listed among the few outside the region expected to attend. Education Cooperation: Timor-Leste and the Philippines signed an MoU to expand higher-education mobility, scholarships, research, quality assurance and curriculum collaboration. Trade & Exports: Timor-Leste began exporting Laga salt to New Zealand (300 tonnes) as government-backed efforts aim to cut import dependence and create jobs. Security & Cybercrime: Timor-Leste detained 16 suspects in Dili over a Japan-impersonation telecom scam, seizing fake police props and Japanese-language call scripts. Energy Outlook: Timor-Leste is considering a second LNG liquefaction project on the south coast, even as work continues on the larger Timor LNG plan.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Timor-Leste investigators detained 16 people in Dili over an alleged phone-scam operation impersonating Japanese police, seizing fake uniforms, Japanese-language call scripts, and a staged HQ backdrop. Climate Diplomacy: As Australia and Fiji push Pre-COP31 in the Pacific, reporting says only a small number of leaders from outside the Pacific are attending—yet Timor-Leste is among the confirmed non-Pacific participants—highlighting how hard it is to turn climate talks into global attention. Education Links: Timor-Leste and the Philippines signed an MoU to expand higher-education cooperation, including scholarships, research, quality assurance, curriculum work, and credit transfer. Trade & Industry: The government backed the first export of Laga salt from Baucau to New Zealand (300 tonnes), aiming to cut import dependence and create jobs. Energy Outlook: Timor-Leste is also weighing a second LNG liquefaction project on the south coast, alongside plans tied to Bayu-Undan and other gas sources. Public Services: The government monitored a pilot modular classroom build in Tasitolu and inaugurated a new water supply system in Laleia serving about 2,700 people.

LNG Strategy: Timor-Leste is pushing ahead with plans for a second LNG project on the south coast, with procurement already mapping possible pipeline routes, even as the first major Timor LNG development still targets final investment in 2029. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Ahead of a first Thai visit in 13 years, Timor-Leste’s prime minister is set to meet Thailand’s leadership in talks focused on trade, agriculture and food security, public health, energy and tourism, plus bilateral defence cooperation. Water & Infrastructure Delivery: The government inaugurated a new water supply system in Laleia (Manatuto) serving about 2,700 people, while a pilot modular classroom project in Tasitolu aims to speed up school construction using recycled-material block technology. National Planning: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão launched the 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and the monitoring report for the 2011–2024 Strategic Development Plan, setting priorities and targets for the next four years. Security & Justice: Timor-Leste investigators dismantled a cross-border telecom fraud ring in Dili, detaining 16 suspects accused of impersonating Japanese police officers in “digital arrest” scams. Regional Climate Politics: Australia’s pre-COP31 push in Fiji and Tuvalu is drawing criticism for limited outside-Pacific leader attendance, with East Timor among the confirmed non-Pacific leaders. UN Police Readiness: Timor-Leste and Pacific officers graduated from a UN Police peacekeeping training program in Brisbane, boosting mission-ready capacity.

Government Planning & Delivery: Timor-Leste launched the 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and the PED 2011–2024 monitoring report, with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão calling it an “accountability” pact to guide budgets and priorities. Education Infrastructure: The government monitored a pilot in Tasitolu, Dili, using modular “Block Solutions” to build nine new classrooms and four toilets at 12 de Outubro EBF. Water Security: In Laleia, Manatuto, Public Works inaugurated a new water supply system for about 2,700 people across 450 households, including schools and health and police facilities. Diplomacy & Cooperation: UAE Minister of State Noura Al Kaabi met Timor-Leste’s foreign minister, agreeing to push government digitisation, people-to-people ties, and water cooperation ahead of the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi. Regional Security Training: UN Police peacekeeping training in Brisbane graduated Pacific and Timor-Leste officers, including modules on child protection and sexual exploitation and abuse. Climate Diplomacy: World powers are sending delegates to Pacific talks in Fiji ahead of COP31, with East Timor among the confirmed outside-region leaders. Human Rights Oversight: The Council of Ministers endorsed Timor-Leste’s Universal Periodic Review state report for UN submission on Oct 9, covering 2022–2026 human rights progress.

COP31 Diplomacy: Australia and Turkey are drawing criticism for hosting the UN climate talks while staying close to coal, as preparations ramp up for a pre-COP leaders meeting in Fiji and Tuvalu that includes Timor-Leste among the confirmed outside-region attendees. Regional Climate Pressure: World powers are set to meet in Nadi, Fiji (Oct 5–8) to push the 1.5°C goal, climate finance, and ocean impacts, with sea-level rise and adaptation funding gaps front and centre. Police Peacekeeping: Timor-Leste police officers graduated from a UN Police peacekeeping training in Brisbane, joining a mission-ready cohort focused on child protection, sexual exploitation and abuse prevention, and intelligence-led policing. Government Planning & Accountability: In Dili, Timor-Leste launched the 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and the PED 2011–2024 monitoring report, setting ten national priorities and budget-linked targets. Education & Water Delivery: The government monitored modular classroom construction in Tasitolu and inaugurated a new Laleia water supply system serving about 2,700 people, with investment and network details released. Foreign Relations: Timor-Leste’s foreign minister met UAE officials on digitisation, people-to-people ties, and water security ahead of the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi. ASEAN Capacity Building: Timor-Leste participated in an ASEAN workshop on innovative disaster finance for climate-resilient growth, as the region shifts from response to resilience.

Public Housing Pressure in Australia: A Richmond public housing resident says she was pushed to relocate after her tower was slated for demolition under Victoria’s Labor redevelopment plan, highlighting the political fight between Labor and the Greens over housing security. UN Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: World powers are gathering in Fiji for pre-COP31 talks aimed at keeping 1.5°C alive, boosting climate finance, and focusing on sea-level impacts, with Tuvalu hosting a leaders’ retreat. Timor-Leste Water and Schools Delivery: The government monitored a Tasitolu pilot to build nine classrooms and four toilets using modular Block Solutions, and inaugurated a Laleia water system serving about 2,700 people. National Planning Push: PM Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão launched the 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and the PED monitoring report, setting priorities across economic, infrastructure, social, and institutional pillars. Diplomacy and Digitisation: Abu Dhabi talks between Noura Al Kaabi and Timor-Leste’s foreign minister focused on government digitisation, people-to-people ties, and water security ahead of the UN Water Conference. UN Police Peacekeeping Training: Pacific and Timor-Leste police officers graduated from UN Police peacekeeping training in Brisbane, including child protection and intelligence-led policing. ASEAN and Regional Integration: Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership steps forward as Cambodia’s Senate approved laws tied to ASEAN instruments, including the Cebu Protocol. Climate Finance Capacity Building: ERIA and ISPAE convened a regional workshop on innovative disaster finance, with Timor-Leste participating as a full ASEAN member.

National Planning: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão launched Timor-Leste’s National Medium-Term Plan 2027–2030 and the PED 2011–2024 Monitoring Progress Report, framing them as a “moment of accountability” to guide budgets around ten national priorities. Water & Infrastructure: The government inaugurated a new Laleia water supply system in Manatuto, delivering water to about 2,700 people across 450 households, plus key institutions, with a US$764,900 investment. Education Delivery: Ministries visited Tasitolu’s 12 de Outubro Filial Basic School to monitor a pilot using modular “Block Solutions” technology to build nine classrooms and four toilets faster and cheaper than conventional construction. Foreign Relations & Digitisation: In Abu Dhabi, Noura Al Kaabi met Timor-Leste’s foreign minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas, agreeing to push government digitisation, people-to-people ties, and water security ahead of the UN Water Conference. Regional Climate Diplomacy: A Reuters report says East Timor is among the few confirmed non-Pacific leaders for pre-COP talks in Fiji and Tuvalu, highlighting how Pacific climate priorities are struggling to draw global attention. UN Peacekeeping Training: Pacific and Timor-Leste police officers graduated from a UN Police Peacekeeping training program in Brisbane, boosting mission readiness with a reported 83% pass rate.

Government Delivery Watch: The Council of Ministers launched the 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and published the PED 2011–2024 progress report, with PM Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão framing it as a “moment of accountability” guiding budgets around economic diversification, infrastructure, social development and institutions. Education & Infrastructure: In Dili’s Tasitolu, ministries monitored a pilot using Block Solutions modular construction to build nine classrooms and four toilets at 12 de Outubro EBF. In Manatuto’s Laleia, Public Works inaugurated a new water supply system serving about 2,700 people across 450 households. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas met UAE Minister Noura Al Kaabi, agreeing to push government digitisation, people-to-people ties and water security ahead of the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi. Regional Politics: Reuters reports that East Timor is among the few confirmed non-Pacific leaders attending pre-COP31 talks in Fiji and Tuvalu, as Pacific states push for stronger climate action and finance. UN & Rights: The UN Child Rights Committee issued findings on Timor-Leste following its latest review, with recommendations tied to child rights implementation. Security Training: UN Police Peacekeeping training in Brisbane graduated Pacific and Timor-Leste officers, including modules on child protection, sexual exploitation and abuse, and intelligence-led policing. Elderly Support: While not East Timor, the week’s coverage also highlighted cash support for senior citizens in the region, underscoring how governments are rolling out ageing-related benefits.

Government Delivery: The Council of Ministers launched the National Medium-Term Plan 2027–2030 and the PED 2011–2024 Monitoring Progress Report, with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão framing it as a “pact” to complete the strategic plan with discipline and unity. Public Works & Water Security: In Dili’s Tasitolu, ministries monitored a pilot to build nine classrooms and four toilets using modular Block Solutions tech; in Laleia (Manatuto), Public Works inaugurated a new water supply system serving about 2,700 people across 450 households. Foreign Relations & Digitisation: In Abu Dhabi, Timor-Leste’s FM Bendito dos Santos Freitas met Noura Al Kaabi, agreeing to push government digitisation, people-to-people ties, and water security ahead of the UN Water Conference in December. Regional Climate Diplomacy: World powers are set to meet in Nadi, Fiji (Oct 5–8) to shape COP31 talks, with Pacific leaders—alongside Timor-Leste—pressing for 1.5°C, better climate finance, and urgent action on ocean impacts. Security & Training: UN Police Peacekeeping training graduated a Pacific-wide class at AFP’s Brisbane hub, including Timor-Leste officers, with a focus on child protection, sexual exploitation and abuse, and intelligence-led policing. ASEAN Development Finance: ERIA and ISPAE convened a workshop on innovative disaster finance for climate-resilient growth, with Timor-Leste participating as a full ASEAN member.

ASEAN Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale met President José Ramos-Horta at the UNGA in New York to discuss deepening Timor-Leste–Solomon Islands ties, with Ramos-Horta highlighting Timor-Leste’s sovereign fund as a model of stability and prudent investment. Regional Governance & Law: Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration gets a boost as Cambodia’s National Assembly approved the Cebu Protocol amendment to the ASEAN Charter, paving the way for wider regional legal alignment. Human Rights Oversight: The UN Child Rights Committee published findings on Timor-Leste under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, flagging concerns and recommendations for better implementation. Climate & Resilience Capacity: UNSW and Permatil ran hands-on surveying training with UNTL staff and students to improve water catchment modelling—aimed at strengthening rural water and food security. International Cooperation: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste, Pham Binh Dam, presented credentials, pledging deeper cooperation and support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration. Energy & Industry Watch: Estrella Resources reported new assays supporting a copper-gold porphyry case at its Laleno Dome project, moving the work toward further testing.

Sovereign Wealth & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale met President José Ramos-Horta on strengthening Timor-Leste–Solomon Islands ties, with Ramos-Horta highlighting Timor-Leste’s sovereign fund as a model of prudent, interference-free investment that supports national budgets and development priorities. Regional Security & Law: Timor-Leste’s push for deeper ASEAN integration continues as draft laws advance on the Cebu Protocol to amend the ASEAN Charter, enabling Timor-Leste’s full membership, alongside legal cooperation measures with Russia. Human Rights Governance: The Council of Ministers endorsed Timor-Leste’s Universal Periodic Review State Report (2022–2026) for UN submission on Oct. 9, and approved budget spending and procurement steps for the Tasi Mane South Coast project. Capacity Building for Water Security: UNSW and Permatil trained UNTL staff and students to survey water catchment topography for modelling, aiming to improve rural water access and food security. International Outreach: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste, Pham Binh Dam, presented credentials, pledging deeper cooperation and support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration. Deep-Sea Development Watch: A Timor-Leste AUV campaign for offshore energy surveying is moving into its offshore phase, using remote operations as a potential new standard for ultra-deepwater work.

Council of Ministers: Timor-Leste’s Council endorsed the State Report for the UN Universal Periodic Review 2022–2026 and approved budget spending to push the Tasi Mane Project on the south coast, including launching public tender procurement for project management and supervision. Energy & investment: Finder Energy says Timor-Leste’s petroleum regulator (ANP) has approved the Environmental Impact Statement for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) oil development, clearing a key step toward final investment decision. Diplomacy: Vietnam appointed its first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste, with both sides stressing deeper cooperation and support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration. Regional politics: Timor-Leste’s President José Ramos-Horta signaled openness to Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan at the UN General Assembly, while reiterating the need for consultation and a just settlement. Governance & rights: The UPR endorsement underscores the government’s push to track human-rights progress and follow up UN recommendations through the Human Rights Council process.

ASEAN & Legal Integration: Cambodia’s Senate unanimously approved draft laws tied to ASEAN’s Cebu Protocol amendment, the CICA privileges framework, a Russia criminal-justice cooperation deal, and a statute for lawyers—moves that also clear the way for Timor-Leste’s deeper ASEAN integration. Diplomacy: Vietnam named Ambassador Pham Binh Dam as its first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste, signaling fresh momentum in bilateral ties and ASEAN cooperation. International Law & Rights: Timor-Leste welcomed Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan at the UN General Assembly, while reiterating the need for consultation with the people concerned and a just settlement. Regional Security/Justice: Timor-Leste also signed the UN Convention against Cybercrime, strengthening protections for civil and political rights. Energy & Industry: Finder Energy says Timor-Leste’s petroleum regulator approved the Environmental Impact Statement for its Kuda Tasi and Jahal oil development, a key step toward final investment decisions. Sports: Timor-Leste was drawn into Azerbaijan’s U-15 World Cup group, setting up another international spotlight for the country’s youth teams. Culture & Heritage: Timor-Leste expanded its national cultural heritage list, adding to efforts to preserve local history and documentary records.

UN Gender Equality Backlash: UN Women warns progress on women’s leadership is stalling, with gender parity in parliament projected for 2089 and a male-dominated UN General Assembly setting the tone for the next UN chief race. Deepwater Survey for Timor-Leste Energy: Fugro’s remote-guided AUV model is being tested in Malaysia and now feeds into Timor-Leste’s Greater Sunrise and Bayu Undan offshore campaign this week, highlighting how far teams can operate from shore. Diplomacy in Focus: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador presents credentials to President José Ramos-Horta, signaling deeper cooperation and ASEAN integration support. UN Engagement: Ramos-Horta’s UNGA remarks include a shift toward welcoming Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan while still stressing consultation and self-determination. Payments Modernization: Bank Indonesia and Timor-Leste’s central bank sign MoUs to explore cross-border QRIS connectivity, aiming to make digital payments easier for people and businesses. Oil & Gas Regulatory Step: Finder Energy says Timor-Leste’s ANP approved the Environmental Impact Statement for the KTJ project, clearing a major hurdle toward potential FID. Sports: FIFA President Infantino arrives in Azerbaijan as Timor-Leste’s U-15 team is drawn for the Baku tournament.