Energy Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House, with both sides pushing deeper cooperation on energy security and Trans Caspian gas export routes, plus trade, transport and communications under the C5+1 framework. Regional Industry & Trade: Turkmenistan and Pakistan reviewed plans to expand trade, investment, agriculture, energy, and connectivity, including Pakistan’s offer to export meat and farm products, while focusing on rail/road/air/sea links. Oil & Gas Output: Lebap region LPG production more than doubled in the first four months of 2026 to over 30,000 tons, alongside a 4% rise in bitumen output. Mining/Value Chains: A new nCa special report spotlights Turkmenistan’s iodine industry, arguing the country can move beyond low-margin crude sales into higher-value downstream chemistry. Textiles & Manufacturing: Italy’s textile machinery sector is set to join Turkmen Textile Expo 2026 in Ashgabat, aiming to supply spinning/knitting and related equipment as cotton processing expands. Human Capital: Turkmenistan sent education ministry reps and vocational students to the Tajikistan-2026 skills forum, with focus on training for energy, construction, manufacturing, services, transport and logistics. Culture with Industry Links: Ashgabat marked Turkmen Carpet Day with major exhibitions and awards, highlighting the role of carpet enterprises and workshops.