ASEAN and regional diplomacy: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta says full ASEAN membership is already paying off, citing faster infrastructure and investment, plus preparations for the country to take the rotating ASEAN chair in 2029. Digital government push: Timor-Leste officially launched verify.gov.tl, a Cambodian-supported document verification portal meant to curb forged transport documents and cut the cost of issuing driver’s licences. Security and learning ties: Timor-Leste Defence Force naval personnel visited Darwin under Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program to build relationships and gain operational experience. Regional debate on maritime law: While focused on Cambodia-Thailand, the UNCLOS compulsory conciliation move is being watched across the region after Cambodia notified Thailand and the UN to start proceedings over overlapping maritime claims. Sports note: Timor-Leste’s national team heads into its next Asian Cup qualifier after recent defeats in the campaign.