Timor-Leste Energy & Power: Timor-Leste has secured an $85.7m package for its first utility-scale solar-plus-storage project, a 73.7MW plant with 80.2MWh batteries run by Manatuto Renewables Power (EDF and Itochu), with power sold to the state utility under a 25-year deal. Digital Infrastructure: Timor-Leste also launched commercial fibre-optic internet services via Timor-Leste Cables after a 607km undersea link to Darwin, with access routed through major telecom operators and local providers. Offshore Engineering & Energy: Fugro will conduct an underwater survey for Greater Sunrise and Bayu Undan-related offshore infrastructure, using autonomous underwater vehicle surveying to support pipeline routing and geohazard work. Public Administration: The Council of Ministers approved steps to suspend civil servant recruitment and “temporary workers” hiring, with exceptions for key roles and shortages, alongside a decree-law to strengthen media outlet subsidies. Security & Education Cooperation: PNG and Timor-Leste agreed on closer ties, including a proposal for Timor-Leste to contribute 200 defence personnel for PNG election security and a joint scholarship plan for Timorese students in areas like mining engineering and tropical medicine. Maritime & Border Crime: Indonesia, Australia, and Timor-Leste agreed to boost intelligence exchange and joint responses against transnational crimes along border routes. Maritime Training: The 25th SEACAT exercise began in Singapore, bringing together Indo-Pacific partners to train for maritime crises and illicit activity response. Agriculture & Livestock Health: A community-led brucellosis project in Timor-Leste is pushing safer birth-material handling, better reporting, and support for a pilot cattle vaccination effort.