Turkmenistan e-Visa Rollout: Turkmenistan’s State Migration Service launched an electronic visa system on Oct. 1, replacing the invitation-letter requirement, with a dedicated portal (evisa.migration.gov.tm) and three categories for tourist, business, and humanitarian travel—though the portal was still hard to access and full eligibility rules were not yet clearly published. Regional Disaster Preparedness: Qatar Red Crescent Society hosted an IFRC workshop to strengthen earthquake communication across MENA, using lessons from the 1948 Ashgabat quake and promoting practical “drop, cover, hold on” drills. Connectivity and Trade Talks: Russia’s Vladimir Putin said there is “very big potential” for economic cooperation with India beyond logistics, discussing new shipping and the International North-South Transport Corridor, with progress partly dependent on Iran’s work; he also said the Azerbaijan route is moving without problems. EU Eyes Trans-Caspian Links: At Turkmenistan’s Investment Forum, EU Ambassador Luc Devigne said EU support could expand renewable energy ties and back development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Route, while noting EU-Turkmenistan trade turnover reached €1.4 billion. Sports—Turkmenistan at the Asian Games: Shahzadbek Matyakubov won silver in the 110kg weightlifting event in Nagoya, adding a second silver for Turkmenistan. Security Drills: Azerbaijan, Turkey and Uzbekistan held the “Power of Unity-2026” exercise in Azerbaijan, rehearsing drone warfare, cyberattacks, disinformation, and maritime operations with over 3,500 troops.