Energy & Development: East Timor has broken ground on a $107 million solar power plant and energy storage project in Manatuto, a joint venture between EDF and Japan’s Itochu, expected to be finished in 2028 and supply about 30% of the country’s electricity, cutting fuel-import spending by an estimated $25–30 million a year. Local Governance & Labour Safety: In Liloan, Cebu, DOLE-7 says it will inspect a construction site after a worker was killed when crushed by six granite slabs, with possible work stoppage depending on inspectors’ findings. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told ASEAN partners in Manila the US “will never abandon” the bloc, while warning Iran’s proposed control of Strait of Hormuz tolls would set a dangerous precedent. ASEAN Expansion: Turkey was granted full Dialogue Partner status with ASEAN, upgrading Ankara’s institutional ties with the 11-nation bloc that includes Timor-Leste. Climate & Children: UNICEF says Timor-Leste’s climate crisis is a child rights emergency, citing droughts, landslides and flash floods that disrupt schooling, health services and livelihoods. Travel Mobility (Henley Index): Timor-Leste is ranked 52nd globally in the Henley Passport Index 2026, and Nigerians can access Timor-Leste via visa on arrival.