TAPI Pipeline Progress: Taliban officials say construction of the Afghanistan section of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline in Herat has reached 52% completion, with 80 km laid and more pipe and roads prepared, while Turkmen officials reportedly aim to finish the 130-km Herat segment by end-2026. Diplomacy with Azerbaijan: Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov is expected to visit Azerbaijan, with multiple bilateral documents planned to deepen cooperation. Trade and Procurement: SCRMET auctions totaled over $19.5 million, including foreign-currency sales of Turkmen LNG and other goods, while domestic purchases reached more than 244 million manat. EU Ties via Slovakia and Austria: Ashgabat is setting up a Turkmenistan–Slovakia Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation, and the 13th Turkmen–Austria commission meeting in Ashgabat focused on implementing past agreements and expanding business in energy, industry, digitalization and AI. Cultural Heritage: Getty Museum experts arrived in Turkmenistan to continue restoring a rare 5th-century Buddha sculpture from Ancient Merv, using 3D printing to replicate and stabilize missing parts. Oil & Gas Infrastructure: Berdimuhamedov authorized major purchases of steel pipes and drilling equipment from Chinese firms to support Turkmenistan’s exploration and production, plus updated tender rules for transport and communications procurement. Information Controls: A new report says Turkmen authorities have tightened digital controls, including targeting tools used to bypass online censorship.