Timor-Leste Hosts Reception in Washington to Mark ASEAN Membership
The Embassy of Timor-Leste in Washington, D.C., held a diplomatic reception on Monday, November 10, 2025, to recognize its formal admission as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The event reflected years of preparation and cooperation that culminated in the official announcement on October 26, when ASEAN leaders in Kuala Lumpur formally welcomed Timor-Leste into the regional bloc.
Guests included diplomats, U.S. government officials, business executives, and members of the Timorese diaspora.
China’s “Mega” Embassy in London Under Review
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly leaning toward approving a massive new Chinese embassy at Royal Mint Court, potentially Europe’s largest. The decision is controversial: critics cite national security risks, including possible espionage, given the site’s proximity to critical data infrastructure.
MI5 and MI6 are said to be involved in mitigation discussions, though the formal go‑ahead is still pending. (Financial Times)
Japan and Norway Celebrate 120 Years of Diplomacy
In 2025, Japan and Norway celebrated the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. To commemorate this important milestone and to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries, the Embassy of Japan in Norway announced a wide range of events throughout the country. (Embassy of Japan in Norway)
Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis Attends the First Conference on the Italian Language
At the invitation of the vice-president of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Italy, Antonio Tajani, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs), represented Switzerland at the first Conference on the Italian Language in Rome on 18 November 2025. The event brought together countries and communities linked by the Italian language and saw the adoption of the founding declaration of the Community of Italian Speakers. The conference was also an opportunity for Mr. Cassis to meet ministers from various countries, including Romania, Kosovo, San Marino, Slovenia, and Somalia, as well as the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi.
