U.S.-Backed Trade Corridor: Russian-born investor Konstantin Sokolov has been named chairman of the U.S. State Department’s TRIPP+ enterprise fund, set to manage about $201m for a Central Asia–South Caucasus trade corridor spanning transport, energy infrastructure and critical minerals, including projects involving Turkmenistan. Border Communications Crackdown: Turkmen authorities have intensified raids in Dashoguz border settlements, confiscating Uzbek SIM cards and warning residents that using foreign mobile services could bring heavy fines or even prison. Regional Diplomacy: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov will make an official visit to Georgia on July 16, with leaders expected to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation and the regional agenda. Turkmen–Uzbek Cooperation: In Ashgabat, Turkmen and Uzbek foreign ministers held consultations and signed/advanced agreements, including steps to strengthen political dialogue and information security cooperation. SDG Progress: Turkmenistan says it has integrated 85% of SDG targets into national programmes and is pushing improved SDG data reporting with UN support. Education & Youth: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education ministry are running a child-centred early childhood education workshop, while Turkmen students continue participating in international programmes abroad. Tourism Link-Up: Malaysia’s Tourism Malaysia launched a seminar in Ashgabat, signaling long-term tourism partnership ambitions with Turkmenistan.