EBRD Partnership: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov reviewed plans for a next-month visit by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, with a new package of agreements expected to cover fuel and energy, transport and logistics, environmental protection, and banking. Digital Oil & Gas: Turkmenistan is pushing digital transformation across its hydrocarbon chain, including AI-enabled “smart fields” and “smart wells,” plus refinery upgrades such as automated monitoring and ERP systems. Middle Corridor Momentum: Rail freight between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan jumped 31% in Q1 2026 and is up even more in early 2026, reflecting corridor capacity and tariff incentives. TAPI Progress: Officials say more than 90 km of the TAPI gas pipeline is laid in Herat, with 125 km prepared and a target to supply Herat’s industrial park within six months. EU Rights Dialogue: The EU used its 18th human rights dialogue to press Ashgabat on the gap between outward engagement and domestic control, including media and civil society restrictions. Agriculture in Lebap: Wheat harvesting continues in Lebap velayat, with tenant farmers reporting strong yields and replenishing grain reserves. Dubrovnik Forum: A Turkmen delegation joined the Dubrovnik Forum on multipolarity, highlighting neutrality and international cooperation. Azerbaijan Ties: Leaders reaffirmed cooperation after Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s Azerbaijan visit, including energy, trade, transport, and cultural links.