SCO Summit Wrap (Bishkek): Leaders marked the SCO’s 25th anniversary and adopted the Bishkek Declaration, stressing the bloc is not a military-political alliance while prioritizing security, trade, transport, energy and the digital economy; Kyrgyzstan handed the rotating chair to Pakistan for 2026–27, with PM Shehbaz Sharif putting water security at the top and warning it must never be weaponised. U.S. Critical Minerals Push: In Bishkek, U.S. Special Envoy Sergio Gor and Sen. Steve Daines focused on turning mineral potential into investment and processing deals, including discussion of trade barriers like the Jackson-Vanik legacy. Tajikistan Finance & Commemorations: The National Bank issued commemorative coins for Tajikistan’s 35th independence anniversary, featuring state symbols and development motifs. Energy Risk for Central Asia: Renewed U.S.-Iran escalation raises fuel and corridor risks; a separate analysis highlights how Central Asia’s dependence on Russian petroleum products leaves Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan exposed to shortages and price spikes. Connectivity for Tajikistan: S7 Airlines added flights from Novosibirsk to Dushanbe and Khujand, boosting travel options for business and tourism. Digital Cooperation: Kazakhstan’s approval to join the Digital Cooperation Organization, with Tajikistan as an associate, signals new momentum for AI, digital trade and cross-border data policy.