Malaysia–Turkmenistan Energy Deal: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Ashgabat visit (June 18–19) focused on locking in long-term oil and gas cooperation, with leaders highlighting PETRONAS’ 30-year role and new agreements aimed at expanding upstream work on the Turkmen Caspian shelf. Caspian Upstream Expansion: PETRONAS Carigali signed a production sharing agreement for offshore Blocks 19 and 20 and a cooperation deal for 2D seismic studies, with Turkmennebit and Hazarnebit named as key partners. Long-Term Supply Assurance: Anwar also said Russia’s Vladimir Putin assured Malaysia of long-term oil, gas and diesel supplies for at least 20 years, while Turkmenistan approved new access for Malaysia to major gas reserves. Broader Bilateral Agenda: Beyond hydrocarbons, both sides discussed cooperation in industry, agriculture, textiles, banking/finance, transport and logistics, education and research, plus continued air connectivity and student education links. Securities Market Development: UNDP held a workshop in Ashgabat with Turkmen officials and the Ashgabat Stock Exchange on strengthening securities market infrastructure and brokerage activities. Labor Rights Watch: The ILO again criticized Turkmenistan over forced labor practices in the cotton harvest, requesting detailed updates by September 1. Public Finance for Children: UNICEF consulted Turkmen ministries on using public finance data to better plan and monitor child-focused investments, including education, health and social protection.