US Visa Policy: The U.S. is making its visa bond programme permanent from Aug. 3, letting consular officers require refundable deposits up to $20,000 for B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas for citizens of 50 countries—including Turkmenistan—after a pilot aimed at cutting overstays. Diplomatic Prep: A Turkmen delegation met Dutch officials in the Netherlands to line up the Sept. 4–6 World Akhalteke Equestrian Championship and Beauty Contest in Limburg, with the governor backing the plans. Regional Environment Cooperation: CAREC met the Turkish States Innovation Hub in Almaty to discuss joint work on education, innovation, and green energy across Central Asia. Central Asia Summit Track: Turkmenistan’s deputy foreign minister took part in Astana talks preparing the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit, including drafting the “Seoul Declaration.” Sports & Youth: Turkmen schoolchildren will compete in the international iWISE STEM/robotics event in London, while Arkadag prepares an AFC Champions League Two qualifier against India’s “Goa” on Aug. 12. Currency Reference: Azerbaijan’s central bank set the US dollar at 1.7000 manats in today’s official rates.