Digital Transformation: An international seminar on digital transformation opened in Ashgabat, bringing GSMA Eurasia and ITU experts to discuss faster telecom services, AI automation for communications, and how regulators can speed up new government offerings. Diplomatic Ties: On Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s 69th birthday, Kazakhstan’s Tokayev and Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev held phone calls with the Turkmen National Leader, praising his role in strengthening bilateral strategic partnerships. Regional Connectivity: A new 5,420 km China–Turkmenistan rail service has launched, aiming to move goods overland faster and reduce reliance on shipping routes. Transport & Logistics: Air Belgium plans to begin cargo flights via Ashgabat in early August, as Turkmen officials push to expand the country’s air logistics role between Asia and Europe. Trade & Industry: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions totaled over $58.6 million, with foreign buyers purchasing liquefied gas and ECO-93 gasoline. Energy Deals: XRG and Eni signed agreements with Argentina’s YPF to buy stakes in upstream blocks feeding a major Argentina LNG project. Public Health: Reports say rats were found at a presidential residence near Ashgabat, prompting an overnight extermination operation and lab testing of carcasses. Culture & Sport: Culture Week in Balkan velayat wrapped up, and Turkmenistan’s Football Cup 2026 quarter-finals set semi-finalists.