Turkmen-Malaysian Energy Deal: Turkmenistan has authorized Türkmennebit to sign a new Caspian offshore development agreement with Petronas Carigali and Hazarnebit, likely feeding into a broader package ahead of Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim’s June 19 visit. Bilateral Paperwork Push: During Anwar’s June 18-19 trip, Malaysia and Turkmenistan are set to exchange multiple documents, including an air services deal and MoUs on transport, science and diplomacy. Caspian Trade via Markets: The same visit is framed as a continuation of Petronas’ long-running Turkmenistan presence since 1996, with officials pointing to a new 20–25 year operating chapter. Regional Transport Manufacturing: Turkmen electronic firm “Aýdyň Gijeler” will launch a production site in Uzbekistan on a 4-hectare plot to supply Tashkent–Samarkand highway items like crash barriers and lighting poles. Customs Digitalization: Kyrgyzstan kicked off an international customs digitalization conference in Issyk-Kul with participation including Turkmenistan, focusing on AI, digital transit and cross-border trade systems. Cotton Forced-Labor Scrutiny: The ILO again urged Turkmenistan to dismantle the cotton quota system, citing continued forced labor concerns and requesting a progress report by Sept. 1. SDG Reporting: Turkmenistan began preparations for its third Voluntary National Review on SDGs, with UN and civil society input in Ashgabat. Caspian Commerce Numbers: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions totaled over $19.5m, with foreign buyers purchasing LNG and other goods while domestic entrepreneurs bought bitumen and cotton-related products.