US Talks: Turkmenistan is joining Monday’s C5+1 ministerial in Samarkand, where Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov is due to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Discussions will cover trade, energy, transport and investment; the sides are also preparing political consultations in Ashgabat on November 3. Environment: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed a Central Asian regional center to combat desertification and outlined biodiversity priorities, including protecting the Caspian and Aral Sea ecosystems. Business: An Ashgabat forum brought together Indian officials and more than 30 company representatives to explore trade and investment in sectors including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, transport and construction. Energy: Turkmenistan is pursuing export routes beyond China: a Turkmengaz official says the first TAPI pipeline section to Herat is about 80% complete and targeted for year-end, while Ashgabat now calls a trans-Caspian pipeline a priority. Community: A Turkmen national was among five people reported dead in flooding in Istanbul. Sport: Turkmen athletes are competing at the Asian Para Games in Japan, running through October 24.