Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026: Ashgabat is gearing up for TIF 2026 on Oct. 1–2, with more than 800 delegates from 45 countries expected, including a major Saudi delegation led by Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud, plus World Bank and other development institutions and multinational firms. Smart Construction: The government says housing and infrastructure development is moving into a more “intelligent” phase, with over 900,000 sq. meters of housing and new schools and social facilities planned for commissioning, and projects in Arkadag highlighted as a smart-city model. Regional Diplomacy: Serdar Berdimuhamedov marked his birthday with calls and messages from Vladimir Putin and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, while Uzbekistan and Russia reaffirmed cooperation and friendship. Transport and Transit: Afghanistan and Turkmenistan agreed to set up a joint road transport commission and ease transit, including operationalising the Lapis Lazuli corridor. Energy and Trade Corridors: Commentary and reporting continue to frame Turkmenistan’s options beyond China, with TAPI and Trans-Caspian pipeline ideas tied to broader “Middle Corridor” ambitions. Environment: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, via RECCA, discussed expanding Caspian-focused climate and biodiversity cooperation, including a methane-reduction conference planned for late October in Ashgabat. Sports: Turkmen chess teams climbed into the top 30 at the Samarkand Olympiad, outperforming their seeds.