Caspian Security: Turkmenistan again condemned attacks on ships in the Caspian after Ukraine-Iran strikes raised fears of a wider spillover into regional trade routes, with Ashgabat calling the sea a “sea of peace” and “inadmissible” any violence there. Exchange-Rate Pressure: Critics say Turkmenistan’s official dollar rate (3.50) versus the black-market level (around 19.5–20) deepens inequality, arguing the “artificial stability” policy effectively “robs” ordinary people and complicates foreign trade. EBRD Talks: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met EBRD head Odile Renaud-Basso, signaling interest in expanding cooperation on energy, transport, the digital economy and environmental projects, while confirming a new push for reforms and investment. Turkmen-Turkish Diplomacy: Foreign ministries held political consultations in Ankara, reviewing consular issues, inter-parliamentary cooperation and legal frameworks, with both sides stressing high-level visits as a key driver. Middle Corridor Logistics: Turkmenistan’s border customs modernization continues, including the upgraded “Sarahs Awtoyollary” checkpoint on the Turkmen-Iran route, reinforcing links across major corridors. Digital Trade: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan began using eTIR for paperless transit, completing the first fully digital shipment across the Caspian. Local Governance: Turkey detained İstanbul’s first female mayor of Üsküdar in a corruption probe, underscoring ongoing municipal crackdowns in the region.