ASEAN Diplomacy in Manila: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit the Philippines July 19-23 for Asean and East Asia Summit foreign ministers meetings, with talks aimed at deepening Washington’s “free and open Indo-Pacific” agenda. Regional Energy Focus: The Manila agenda also includes energy security items such as ratification of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement, alongside meetings with major dialogue partners. CPLP at 30: Lusophone community leaders marked the CPLP’s 30th anniversary, with CPLP Executive Secretary Fátima Jardim stressing cooperation and Timor-Leste’s role since joining in 2002. Human Rights Call: FRETILIN urged Morocco to immediately and unconditionally release Sahrawi human rights defender Naâma Asfari, citing his worsening health and long hunger strike. ASEAN Integration Support: Vietnam inaugurated its fully operational embassy office in Dili, saying it will back Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration. Financial System Reform: Timor-Leste’s National Parliament approved the General Framework for the Financial System and Banking Activities, expanding the Central Bank’s powers and setting new rules on stability, resolution, deposit insurance, and anti–money laundering.