ASEAN Diplomacy in Manila: East Timor is set to be represented as the Philippines hosts ASEAN foreign ministers’ meetings from July 19–24, with key attendees including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, China’s Wang Yi, Russia’s Sergey Lavrov, and Australia’s Penny Wong. ASEAN Membership Milestone: A separate feature marks Timor-Leste’s hard-won path into ASEAN in 2025, highlighting Malaysia’s support and Dili’s push to diversify beyond oil through tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and investment. Offshore Energy Survey Contract: Fugro has won a contract for deepwater site characterization surveys off Timor-Leste for the Greater Sunrise and Bayu Undan developments, using geophysical, seismic, and AUV work starting planning in Q3 2026. Regional Solidarity: FRETILIN has called for the immediate release of Sahrawi human rights defender Naâma Asfari, citing his deteriorating health after a long hunger strike. Workforce Link to Timor-Leste: New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme adds Timor-Leste workers for orchard work, with thousands applying after the program opened in 2026.