Aviation & Trade: Air Belgium plans to start cargo flights via Ashgabat International Airport as early as August 2026, after talks between Turkmenistan’s ambassador and the airline’s CEO set a technical framework and discussed an inaugural ceremony. Diplomacy & Neutrality: Turkmenistan’s deputy foreign minister Mahri Byashimova took part in Croatia’s Dubrovnik Forum “The Age of Multipolarity,” highlighting Turkmenistan’s neutrality and its model of dialogue and non-interference. Education Ties with China: Ashgabat hosted the first “Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship” awards for 2026, backing Turkmen students studying Chinese language and culture. Energy Finance: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov heard updates on strengthening cooperation with the EBRD, with a new package of documents covering fuel/energy, transport, environment, and banking. Science & Agriculture: A new electronic journal, “Agroinnovation in Turkmenistan,” is set to launch to share research and digital farming practices in Turkmen, English, and Russian. Culture Calendar: Culture Week 2027 will be held in Dashoguz velayat, continuing the annual national cultural push tied to Magtymguly Fragi’s poetry. Regional Shock: A 6.2 quake in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush sent tremors across Pakistan, north India, and was felt in Turkmenistan, with no immediate damage reports.