Renewables Finance: Ashurst Perkins Coie backed IFC, ADB and JICA financing for Timor-Leste’s first utility-scale solar plus battery storage project—73.7MW solar and 80.2MWh BESS under a 25-year PPA with EDTL, aimed at cutting diesel reliance. Oil & Gas Expansion: Petroleum minister Francisco da Costa Monteiro says Timor-Leste is planning a second LNG plant using “leftover” gas from Bayu-Undan and Chuditch, with an expected investment decision by 2029 for Greater Sunrise-linked supply. Mining & Exports: Estrella Resources secured two new copper-gold exploration licences in Covalima and Oecusse and received conditional approval for a maiden manganese export to Indonesia, as Timor-Leste opens more metallic minerals rights. Energy Reliability: Philippines DOE reported Mindanao’s power grid is back to normal after maintenance and returning units—useful context for regional power planning. Regional Trade Platform: Timor-Leste debuted at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning as a full ASEAN member and co-host, with CAFTA 3.0 and an AI marketplace spotlighting agrifood and logistics opportunities. Nuclear Membership: Oman welcomed Timor-Leste’s admission to the IAEA, noting interest in “Atoms for Food” and related capacity-building. Security & Compliance: Timor-Leste signed a declaration to accede to the Cluster Munitions Convention, moving toward full membership after UN deposit.