Turkmen-Japan Ties: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Japan’s Minister of State for Economy, Trade and Industry Kenji Yamada, with both sides stressing expanded cooperation in energy, industry, transport, chemicals, and digitalization. Energy Diplomacy: Ashgabat is drawing growing international interest ahead of OGT 2026, with 400+ registered participants and a sold-out expo space for the Oct. 21–23 conference. Regional Water Talks: A second consultative meeting on implementing the UN Special Program for the Aral Sea Basin was held in Avaza, focusing on a shared regional vision and water-diplomacy coordination. CIS Cooperation: The CIS Economic Council meeting in Ashgabat approved steps on transport security and funding for a joint air-defense system planned for 2027. Border Security: Taliban defense officials met Turkmen border commanders to strengthen coordination and security along their shared frontier. Trade & Industry: Turkmen brands showcased products at Paris fashion fairs, while “Turkmen Expo” announced it will organize a national pavilion at FAST TEXTILE 2026 in Poland. Sports & Culture: Turkmen musicians represented the country at the Tsinandali classical music festival, and Turkmen designers debuted at the “Urban Nomad” ethno-fashion competition.