US diplomat opens embassy in Turkmenistan near Iran border.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen arrived in Turkmenistan to open an embassy just 10 miles from the border with Iran, becoming the first Israeli minister to visit the country in almost 30 years. The move is part of Israel's efforts to strengthen ties with strategically situated allies in central Asia. Cohen is also scheduled to meet with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, as well as members of the country's tiny Jewish community. Cohen's visit follows high-level talks in neighboring Azerbaijan, where Israel has focused more intense efforts on shoring up alliances ahead of a possible showdown with Iran.