Turkmenistan e-Visa Rollout: Turkmenistan’s Migration Service launched an electronic visa system on Oct 1, replacing the need for a licensed-agency invitation letter, with three categories now listed (tourist, business up to 30 days, and humanitarian) and real-time status tracking via evisa.migration.gov.tm, though the portal’s full eligibility details were still being clarified. Ashgabat Investment Forum: The Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026 in Ashgabat (Oct 1–2) spotlighted energy, transport, digital tech and new legal mechanisms for business, including a track on virtual assets and mining technologies under the 2026 “On Virtual Assets” law, plus a Legal Forum on Investment covering mediation and international arbitration. Earthquake Preparedness Training: Qatar Red Crescent Society hosted an IFRC “ShakeSmart” regional communication workshop in Doha, using the 1948 Ashgabat quake lesson to push practical public risk messaging and drills built around “drop, cover and hold on.” Culture Calendar: The EU Delegation in Turkmenistan announced European Culture Days in November, featuring Italian jazz singer Simona De Rosa at Ashgabat’s Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre on Nov 20. Energy & Regional Links: ADNOC’s XRG moves deeper into Turkmenistan’s Caspian offshore sector via a new production-sharing deal, while Turkmenistan and Lithuania discussed expanding trade and transport/logistics ties through the Central Asia–EU format. Sports Spotlight: Turkmen weightlifting added another medal as Shahzadbek Matyakubov won silver in the 110kg event at the Asian Games in Nagoya.