US-Turkmen Energy Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Turkmenistan’s top diplomat Rashid Meredov and reiterated Washington’s support for diversifying Turkmen gas exports via a Trans-Caspian pipeline concept, with both sides also stressing energy security and trade—though Ashgabat’s public readout didn’t explicitly endorse the proposal. China Gas Expansion: In New York talks, Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and China’s Wang Yi discussed deeper energy cooperation as Turkmengaz pushes Chinese involvement in pipeline, drilling, gas treatment and heavy construction; the Galkynysh fourth-phase push is tied to up to 10 bcm/year output. Caspian Energy Platform: Azerbaijan used Baku Energy Week to underline Caspian-to-Europe connectivity, with the Baku Energy Forum spotlighting transit and clean-energy integration themes that matter for regional gas and infrastructure planning. Turkmen Textile Tech Push: Italy’s textile machinery industry is heading to Turkmen Textile Expo 2026, pitching high-tech equipment to help Turkmenistan expand local processing of cotton into higher-value production. Regional Trade Momentum: Central Asia’s intra-regional trade rose in Q1 2026, with Turkmenistan among the fastest growers in mutual trade flows—an encouraging sign for regional supply chains. Skills & Workforce: Turkmenistan sent students and education officials to the Tajikistan-2026 International Skills Forum, with focus areas spanning energy, construction, manufacturing, transport and logistics.