U.S. Visa Policy: The U.S. has made its visa bond program permanent, starting Aug. 3, letting consular officers require refundable deposits of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 for business and tourist visas for citizens of 50 countries—including Turkmenistan—as a way to curb overstays. Central Asia Diplomacy: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov is in Kyrgyzstan for the informal consultative meeting of Central Asian leaders and Azerbaijan, with Turkmenistan pushing an Oct. 8 summit in Avaza focused on security, diplomacy, economy/logistics, environment, and humanitarian ties. Regional Planning: Turkmenistan’s MFA says Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov took part in Astana in senior-official preparations for the Central Asia–South Korea summit, discussing the draft final document and cooperation in energy, transport, digital tech, and agriculture. Education & Youth: Ten Turkmen schoolchildren will compete in the international iWISE STEM/robotics forum in London (Aug. 2–7). Sports: Turkmen club Arkadag will play India’s Goa on Aug. 12 for a spot in the AFC Champions League Two group stage. Environment: UNDP and partners backed stronger waste-management steps aimed at reducing plastic pollution entering the Caspian Sea.