Regional Security & Afghanistan Policy: EU and Central Asian envoys met in Almaty to coordinate on Afghanistan, with a focus on transport corridors, water/climate, human rights, and UN-led humanitarian support. Afghanistan–Central Asia Research Diplomacy: Taliban FM Amir Khan Muttaqi hosted a Kabul forum of regional think tanks, calling for research cooperation, indigenous narratives, and practical roadmaps to turn political deals into implementation. Tajikistan–Afghanistan Connectivity Agenda: The same Kabul track highlights support for major transit projects (CASA-1000, TAPI, Lapis Lazuli corridor, Afghan-Trans railway) as a “bridge” between Central and South Asia. Border Tensions: Kyrgyz border guards fired to stop livestock smuggling into Tajikistan after barriers were cut; detainees were handed to law enforcement. Tajikistan Domestic/International Pressure: A Tajik activist in Germany faces deportation, with fears of renewed crackdowns tied to extremism charges. Water Infrastructure: Tajikistan and the ADB discussed modernizing the Bahri Tojik (Tajik Sea) reservoir, including dams, pumping stations, irrigation systems, and digital monitoring. Connectivity for Dushanbe: Turkish Airlines will add flights between Istanbul and Dushanbe from August 3, moving to daily service. Tourism Institution-Building: Tajikistan launched a National Tourism Association to coordinate public-private efforts and raise service standards.