Caspian Sea Slowdown: The Caspian is losing water fast again, with climate shifts and weaker river inflows cutting navigation capacity and shipping profits, raising calls for tighter regional cooperation. UN Diplomacy: Turkmenistan says it has been elected the next chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, with a two-year term starting Jan. 1, 2027, focused on energy and transport connectivity and advancing the Awaza Programme of Action. Regional Talks: Turkmenistan’s MFA reported a meeting between Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova and Uzbekistan’s ambassador, covering political, trade, cultural and humanitarian cooperation and upcoming joint events. Russia Links: A St. Petersburg vice-governor visited Ashgabat, holding memorial events for the siege of Leningrad and discussing business cooperation. Tajik Anniversary: Ashgabat hosted an official reception marking Tajikistan’s 35th independence anniversary, with both sides stressing the depth of bilateral ties. Health at Borders: IOM trained Turkmen officials on early detection of public health risks at border crossing points, focusing on inter-agency information sharing and continuity of services for migrants and host communities. Foreign Partners: Turkmenistan’s foreign minister met France’s new ambassador and the EU’s new ambassador, both times highlighting expanded cooperation through international organizations. CIS Meetings in Awaza: Turkmenistan signed a protocol to coordinate preparations for CIS foreign ministers’ talks on Oct. 7 and heads of state on Oct. 9 in the Awaza zone.