BRICS at SPIEF: Vladimir Putin told the St. Petersburg forum that BRICS has boosted high-tech exports and is driving major global growth, with Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev among the leaders in attendance. C5+1 Culture Talks in Tashkent: Central Asian culture ministers and the U.S. met under C5+1 to push heritage protection, museum and expert exchanges, and digitalization of historical sites. Uzbekistan–Russia Partnership Framed by Mirziyoyev: Mirziyoyev used SPIEF to stress openness and deeper connectivity with Russia, highlighting rising trade and joint investment momentum. SCO Security Cooperation: Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi signed pacts with Russia to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking, while also discussing Afghanistan-linked security threats with Uzbekistan and others. AI for Jobs: Uzbekistan’s digital technologies minister said the country’s AI push is aimed at creating jobs and improving life, including expanding foreign IT company presence. Samarkand Preschool Expansion: The ADB will support building and upgrading about 100 kindergartens via public-private partnerships, starting with land allocation. Culture Sector Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and Malaysia discussed expanding education, science, innovation, and cultural-humanitarian ties, including inter-parliamentary cooperation.