Afghanistan-Russia-Kyrgyzstan Talks: A high-level Afghanistan-Russia meeting in Kazan was called “productive” by Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate officials, with discussions spanning mining, oil and gas, roads, rail, trade, transport and energy—and a side meeting where Russia and Kyrgyzstan pushed to expand trade ties, arguing Afghanistan’s stability would benefit the whole region. Turkic Summit Momentum: In Turkistan, Turkic leaders kept the focus on integration, with Kyrgyzstan backing digital economic cooperation via the Turkic Investment Fund and proposing a digital museum portal, while foreign ministers prepared for talks on connectivity, digital transformation, culture and education. Kyrgyz Education Push: Kyrgyz lawmakers advanced ratification of the OTS Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, aiming to boost e-commerce and digital services—while deputies also drafted incentives to attract foreign teachers. Health Gains: Switzerland-backed work in Kyrgyzstan reported a 29% drop in years of life lost from premature death and disability, alongside lower smoking and alcohol use. Culture & Memory: Bishkek also held a long public meeting with residents on local problems, and memorial events honored the Alpha unit’s fallen.