Nuclear & Energy Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg to watch the launch of construction for Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant, with IAEA oversight and a plan to build a new engineering “school” around the project. Culture & Heritage Exchange: A C5+1 meeting of culture ministers in Tashkent agreed on practical steps to protect and digitize cultural heritage, expand museum and expert exchanges, and support joint festivals across art, literature, theater, cinema, and music. Hong Kong–Uzbekistan Cultural Ties: A Hong Kong delegation visited IT Park Uzbekistan and discussed innovation cooperation, while Hong Kong Palace Museum plans a major Uzbekistan artefacts exhibition in Hong Kong by end-2028. Literary Loss: Hero of Uzbekistan Ibrahim Gafurov, a key figure in the country’s literature and intellectual life, died at 88. Sustainability Spotlight: TIKA showcased global zero-waste and recycling projects at Istanbul’s Zero Waste Festival, including a workshop honoring Gaza journalist Yahya Barzaq. Regional Security (Uzbekistan in focus): Pakistan and Russia signed accords on illegal immigration and drug trafficking during SCO talks, with Uzbekistan also meeting on law-enforcement cooperation.