Drug Prevention in Ashgabat: UNODC and Turkmenistan’s youth network launched a “Prevention Starts with Me” Youth Awareness & Healthy Lifestyle Week (June 25–July 2) at the UN building, training 13–18-year-olds on drug abuse prevention through talks, demonstrations, and a theatre performance. Digital Push: Ashgabat hosted an international seminar on digital transformation at the Ministry of Communications, with GSMA Eurasia and ITU experts discussing faster, more flexible telecom services and AI-enabled automation for government systems. Industrial Diplomacy: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met foreign corporate leaders from Japan, South Korea, and Türkiye to review industrial, energy, and construction projects and expand long-term cooperation. Middle Corridor Momentum: A new China–Turkmenistan rail service has started, with a 5,420 km route from Xining to Balkan Velayat expected to take about 14–15 days, boosting overland trade links. Customs Modernization: Turkmenistan’s customs chief met the WCO secretary general in Brussels, highlighting upgrades to checkpoints and training at the WCO Regional Training Center. Transport Connectivity: Air Belgium plans to begin cargo flights via Ashgabat International Airport in early August, citing refueling and technical support. Regional Culture: Culture Week in Balkan velayat wrapped up, with Culture Week 2027 set for Dashoguz. Health & Safety Note: A reported rat infestation at a presidential residence near Ashgabat triggered an extermination operation; lab tests reportedly found no dangerous infections.