Timor-Leste–Vietnam Ties: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão will visit Vietnam and attend the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, with both sides pushing deeper cooperation in telecoms, digital transformation, agriculture, energy and skills. Digital Governance: Timor-Leste launched verify.gov.tl in Dili, a Cambodian-supported online system to verify driver’s licences and transport documents, aiming to cut fraud and lower licence issuance costs. Regional Leadership: President José Ramos-Horta told an ERIA lecture in Jakarta that reconciliation and dialogue are the keys to stability, citing Timor-Leste’s peacebuilding experience and readiness to contribute to ASEAN integration. ASEAN Membership Impact: Ramos-Horta said full ASEAN membership is already speeding up infrastructure and investment, while Timor-Leste works to align laws with ASEAN rules ahead of the 2029 chairship. Maritime Law Watch: Cambodia formally began UNCLOS compulsory conciliation with Thailand after Bangkok withdrew from a 2001 maritime framework, with Cambodia saying it’s a peaceful, legal route to protect sovereignty and maritime rights. Local Welfare (Pacific diaspora): A Sydney case involving homeless PALM workers, including people believed to include Timor-Leste nationals, has triggered an Australian welfare inquiry.