Turkmen-Korea Summit Momentum: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov joined the first “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” summit in Seoul, backing a long-term agenda that includes smart cities, digital education, youth and cultural exchanges, and parliamentary diplomacy. Business Deals in Seoul: Turkmenistan also pushed for deeper direct business links at the inaugural six-party business summit, while KOTRA hosted export matchmaking that produced 16 contracts worth about $14m on-site. Logistics and Trade Facilitation: South Korea moved to expand customs cooperation with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan to curb counterfeit goods and improve clearance channels. Digital and AI Cooperation: In Ashgabat, a C5+1 seminar on trusted AI and digitalization focused on cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, data centres, satellite communications and spectrum management. Nuclear Health Focus: Turkmenistan held an IAEA side event on using nuclear science to strengthen healthcare systems, including cancer prevention and treatment. Sports Spotlight: Turkmenistan opened the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand with dominant 4-0 wins in both the men’s and women’s events. Regional Security Talks: Turkic intelligence chiefs met in Kazakhstan to discuss counterterrorism and emerging cyber and AI threats. Russian Duma Voting: Russian citizens in Turkmenistan can vote on Sept. 20 at five polling stations, including in Ashgabat, Turkmenbashy, Turkmenabat, Mary and Dashoguz.