Diplomacy & Security: In Belgrade, Serbia’s foreign ministry secretary general Dušan Kozarev met São Tomé and Príncipe’s Defence and Internal Affairs minister Horácio de Sousa, reaffirming ties and discussing closer cooperation on security, defence, and tourism; Kozarev also thanked São Tomé and Príncipe for withdrawing its earlier decision recognizing Kosovo. Water & Public Services: UN-Water says São Tomé and Príncipe has made major SDG 6 gains, with basic water access rising to about 80% in 2015, while safely managed water sits at 37% and safely managed sanitation at 35%, alongside a 21% increase in basic hygiene coverage between 2015 and 2024. Maritime Oversight (Regional spillover): Ghana’s parliament member Sammi Awuku renewed calls for the Ghana Maritime Authority to explain its waiver of a US$1 million penalty tied to MV Sankofa, after claims of missing certificates and safety/registration concerns—an issue that keeps attention on how small states’ flag responsibilities and port clearances are handled. Institutional Neutrality: President Carlos Vila Nova urged that São Tomé and Príncipe’s National Police stay above political disputes, stressing rule-of-law neutrality as the country approaches multiple election dates. Maritime Security (US port list): The US Coast Guard kept São Tomé and Príncipe on its port security advisory list, citing concerns about effective antiterrorism measures and warning that extra ship security steps may apply for vessels calling at affected ports.