TAPI Pipeline Update: Construction on the Afghanistan section of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline in Herat has passed the halfway mark, with Taliban officials saying 52% of the 130-kilometer segment is complete; about 80 km of pipe has been laid, including 36.3 km already underground, and Turkmenistan has reportedly assured completion by end-2026. Science & Innovation Push: Turkmenistan marked Science Day with a major conference and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressing that science and innovation are key drivers for national development and competitiveness. Investment Spotlight with Türkiye: Ashgabat’s embassy in Türkiye hosted a Turkmen-Turkish Business Forum and related events in Denizli, highlighting investment opportunities and reaffirming plans to expand cooperation in trade, industry, energy, transport and agriculture. EU Talks: Turkmenistan’s foreign ministry met the EU ambassador to discuss next steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation across political, trade-economic and cultural areas. Austria Cooperation: Turkmenistan and Austria discussed expanding trade and economic ties, including within the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, ahead of the 13th session of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission in Ashgabat. Energy Security via LNG: Malaysia said it expects to sign a long-term hydrocarbons cooperation agreement with Turkmenistan on June 19, as part of efforts to strengthen its energy supply chain. Corruption Crackdown: Authorities dismantled a kickback scheme tied to import clearances at the Plant Protection and Quarantine Agency, involving bribes for fast-tracking permits. Critical Minerals Diplomacy: The U.S. held a C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue in Astana, with officials urging “win-win” partnerships and pushing beyond raw exports toward processing and supply-chain integration. Power Grid Training: Dispatchers from Turkmenenergo and other regional utilities completed training in Tashkent on power system dispatch management, focusing on renewable integration and system flexibility.