Russia-ASEAN Summit: Leaders wrapped up the Russia-ASEAN meeting in Kazan with the Kazan Declaration, expanding cooperation across security, trade, energy, agriculture, digitalization, science, tourism and humanitarian ties through 2030—East Timor included. Diplomatic Signals for Timor-Leste: Russian President Vladimir Putin told East Timor’s PM Xanana Gusmão that constructive political dialogue is growing and called Timor-Leste a “promising” Asia-Pacific partner, noting Russia’s past support including UN mission involvement. El Niño Preparedness: UN agencies FAO and WFP launched a first joint anticipatory action appeal for US$202 million to protect 8.8 million people in 22 high-risk countries, including East Timor, from drought, floods and storms. Human Smuggling Foiled: Pakistan’s FIA offloaded five passengers at Lahore airport after uncovering a network allegedly moving people to East Timor and New Zealand via Malaysia.