TAPI Pipeline Push: Taliban officials say construction of the Afghanistan section of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline in Herat has crossed the halfway mark, with 52% complete and about 80 km of pipe laid so far; crews have also prepared land and service roads, while Turkmen officials reportedly assured completion of the full 130-km Herat segment by end-2026. Science & Industry Skills: Turkmenistan marked Science Day with a major push on innovation and youth research, as President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted science’s role in driving industrial progress and competitiveness. Energy Diplomacy: Malaysia is expected to sign a long-term hydrocarbons cooperation agreement with Turkmenistan on June 19, as officials link the deal to strengthening energy supply chains. Critical Minerals Drive: The U.S. hosted the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue in Astana, stressing “win-win” partnerships and moving beyond raw exports toward processing and higher-value industry—an approach echoed by regional strategies. Power Sector Training: Dispatchers from Turkmenenergo and other regional utilities completed training in Tashkent on power system dispatch management, focused on balancing growing renewable generation. Agriculture Trade Signals: Kazakhstan reported rising grain and flour exports to Afghanistan and also higher shipments to Turkmenistan, pointing to steady demand and functioning southern logistics routes.