AGP Executive Report

CIS Diplomacy in Turkmenbashi: Turkmenistan signed a protocol to coordinate preparations for the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers meeting on October 7 and the CIS Heads of State meeting on October 9 in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, as part of Ashgabat’s 2026 chairmanship. Caspian Sea Logistics: With Caspian water levels falling, the Middle Corridor is taking a hit—ships can carry less cargo and ports face costly dredging and possible berth extensions, raising transport costs for regional trade. World Nomad Games Medal Haul: Turkmen athletes won 11 medals at the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, with the national team placing 7th overall across 43 disciplines. Gender Equality Policy Work: UNFPA held a seminar in Ashgabat on applying temporary special measures and national mechanisms for advancing women, linked to Turkmenistan’s gender equality plans and CEDAW commitments. Women’s Health Conference: A Turkmen delegation joined a UNFPA-backed regional midwifery conference in Ankara focused on safe motherhood and resilient health systems. Landlocked Nations Leadership: Turkmenistan was elected chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, setting priorities on energy and transport connectivity and the Avaza Action Plan. Road Safety Education: The final stage of Turkmenistan’s “Young traffic inspectors” competition trained schoolchildren on traffic rules and first aid to prevent child road injuries. Biodiversity Strategy Update: UNDP and GEF supported a workshop in Ashgabat to update Turkmenistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 2026–2035 and prepare key CBD reporting milestones.

CIS Diplomacy in Awaza: Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry hosted the signing of a protocol to coordinate preparations for CIS Council of Foreign Ministers and Heads of State meetings in Awaza on 7 and 9 October, following talks in the resort zone with CIS officials. Caspian Sea Pressure on Trade: Falling Caspian Sea levels are already cutting Middle Corridor cargo capacity, with ships reportedly carrying only about 80% of full loads and ports facing costly dredging and possible berth extensions. Nuclear-Free Zone Anniversary: Central Asian foreign ministers marked the 20th anniversary of the CANWFZ Treaty, reaffirming support for a world free of nuclear weapons while warning that nuclear disarmament progress and arms control are stalling. Caspian Cooperation Training: A UN-backed training course on “Caspian Sea – Sustainable Development and Management” opened in Ashgabat, stressing economic, social and environmental governance and international maritime law. Tech for Water and Logistics: Turkmenistan’s science park highlights AI applications for smart irrigation, soil monitoring and digital logistics to improve efficiency in agriculture and transport. Agro-Industry Spotlight: A Balkanabat private producer, “Altyn nur zamany,” is expanding greenhouse and fruit-vegetable processing, supplying jam and juices to domestic and foreign markets. Road Safety Push: The “Young traffic inspectors” final competition in Turkmenistan trained students on traffic rules and first aid. Weather Watch: Temperatures are forecast up to +39°C with possible gusty winds and brief showers in parts of the country.

AI for the economy: Turkmenistan’s Academy of Sciences park is pushing practical AI—smart irrigation, soil monitoring, and digital logistics—to cut water use and boost farm output. Broadband costs: A UK-focused study by Broadband Genie ranks the United Kingdom 46th globally for average mobile broadband data price at about $0.27 per 1GB. UN diplomacy: Turkmenistan has been unanimously elected chair of the UN Landlocked Developing Countries group for 2027–2028, starting Jan. 1, 2027, with priorities on energy and transport connectivity and the Avaza Action Plan. Biodiversity push: Work to update Turkmenistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan enters its final phase, supported by UNDP and GEF efforts. Youth and foreign policy: Turkmen students in South Korea were briefed ahead of the Halk Maslahaty session on Sept. 23, with emphasis on international law initiatives. Road safety education: The “Young traffic inspectors” finals drew 140 students in Ashgabat, focusing on traffic rules and first aid. Trade via SCRMET: Turkmenistan’s commodity exchange logged 22 deals worth over $38.56m, including cement and heating oil bought with foreign currency. Akhal-Teke culture abroad: Turkmenistan showcased Akhal-Teke horses in the Netherlands through world-level competitions and scientific events, with senior leadership attending.

Landlocked Diplomacy: Turkmenistan was unanimously elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with priorities focused on energy and transport connectivity and implementing the Avaza Action Plan. Climate & Water Pressure: A new look at Central Asia’s worsening water stress highlights the uphill task of reaching basin-wide rules between upstream hydropower users and downstream irrigation states. Caspian Cooperation: Ashgabat hosted the 11th international training course “Caspian Sea – Sustainable Development and Management,” bringing together specialists from all five Caspian littoral states. Trade & Markets: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions logged over $38.56m in foreign-currency deals, while domestic sales topped 140.3m manats. Culture & Horses Abroad: In the Netherlands, Turkmen leaders and partners showcased Akhal-Teke heritage through the World Championship and related scientific and cultural events. Regional Watch: Kurdish lawmakers in Iraq’s Kirkuk urged legal action over alleged unfair management practices at the state-owned North Oil Company.

Climate Warning: A new UN assessment says the 1.5°C warming limit is now likely to be crossed within the next few years, pushing Central Asia to plan for tougher, harder-to-avoid impacts. Food Industry Shift: Turkmenistan’s meat market is moving beyond fresh counters toward processing and ready-to-cook products, with brands like Bereketli expanding into sausages, smoked goods, semi-finished items and canned meat. Diplomacy in Europe: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met Çalık Holding’s head in the Netherlands, stressing equality and mutual benefit, while also meeting Germany’s economy committee leader in Düsseldorf to discuss healthcare, agriculture and trade, including advanced German equipment and AI for new facilities. Akhal-Teke Spotlight: Berdimuhamedov attended the World Equestrian Championship and Akhal-Teke Beauty Contest in Kronenberg, with 100+ horses from 25 countries, and discussed further scientific and competitive cooperation in Akhal-Teke breeding. Transport & Neutrality: Turkmenistan’s foreign ministry says talks in The Hague focused on expanding Dutch business ties in shipbuilding, healthcare, innovative technologies and methane cuts, alongside preventive diplomacy tied to permanent neutrality. Regional Role: Turkmenistan was elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with energy and transport connectivity set as priorities. Sports Round-Up: In the domestic league, “Arkadag” beat “Shagadam” 3–0, “Merv” edged “Ashgabat” 3–2, and “Kopetdag” drew “Nebitçi” 2–2.

AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualification: Iraq booked its place in the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup after beating hosts Thailand 3-1 in the final Group F match in Chonburi, finishing top with six points. Iraq raced into a three-goal lead by halftime, with Moamel Malik scoring twice and Aws Ghazi adding a second, before Thailand pulled one back late. Sports at the World Nomad Games: Wrestling finals are underway at Kyrgyzstan’s VI World Nomad Games in Cholpon-Ata, with athletes from Turkmenistan among those chasing the “Best Nomad Wrestler” title. Turkmenistan–Netherlands Talks: In The Hague, Turkmenistan’s foreign minister met the Netherlands’ adviser on foreign affairs and defense to discuss deeper political dialogue and business cooperation, including shipbuilding, healthcare, innovative technologies and methane emissions reduction. Environment & Energy Efficiency: UNDP and GEF seminars in Ashgabat focused on energy-efficient, near-zero energy building design and construction, supporting Turkmenistan’s push for greener standards. International Transport Diplomacy: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a public lesson in Arkadag on Turkmenistan’s role in Silk Road-style transport and logistics corridors and its push for UN-backed sustainable transport initiatives. Football League Results: In the Turkmenistan championship, Arkadag beat Shagadam 3-0, Merv edged Ashgabat 3-2, and Kopetdag drew Nebitçi 2-2.

Turkmenistan–Netherlands Diplomacy: In The Hague, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met Christoffer Jonker and discussed deeper political ties and Dutch business involvement in shipbuilding, healthcare, innovative technologies, and methane-emissions reduction, with Turkmenistan stressing preventive diplomacy under its permanent neutrality. Global Transport Push: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov told youth in Arkadag that Turkmenistan is strengthening its role in the “Revival of the Great Silk Road” and international transport diplomacy, pointing to UN-backed initiatives including the Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035. Climate & Energy Focus: UN-linked reporting says Turkmenistan is repairing major methane leaks, with upgrades tied to efforts to modernize gas infrastructure and cut emissions. Regional Leadership: Turkmenistan was elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with Azerbaijan as vice-chair, aiming to coordinate energy and transport connectivity priorities. Sports & Culture: Turkmen clubs played in the national championship, while Turkmen athletes are set for the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Education & Youth Events: A public “Young Naturalist” ozone-layer contest is scheduled for Sept. 16 in Ashgabat, with free registration for ages 15–24.

Transport Diplomacy: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said Turkmenistan is strengthening its role in global transport and logistics, anchored in the “Revival of the Great Silk Road” and UN-backed sustainable transport plans. Foreign Policy & Neutrality: In The Hague, Turkmen FM Rashid Meredov met Dutch adviser Christoffer Jonker, with both sides pushing deeper political dialogue and business links, including shipbuilding, healthcare, innovative tech and methane-emissions reduction. CIS & Armenia: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan confirmed via phone that he will take part in the CIS summit in Turkmenistan in October, while separately inviting President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Armenia’s COP17 leaders’ summit; Berdimuhamedov accepted. UN Landlocked Developing Countries: Turkmenistan was elected Chair of the LLDC Group for 2027–2028, with energy and transport connectivity set as priorities. Environment: Turkmenistan continues work to plug major methane leaks, as UN monitoring highlights repairs to large emissions sources. Sports: Turkmenistan’s clubs saw “Arkadag” beat “Shagadam” 3–0, “Merv” edge “Ashgabat” 3–2, and “Kopetdag” draw “Nebitçi” 2–2; Turkmenistan also heads to the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Youth & Education: Preparations continue for a UN-linked conference on ending violence against children, with technical consultations in Ashgabat.

Uzbek Independence Anniversary: Uzbekistan’s embassy in Ashgabat hosted a reception marking 35 years since independence, with both sides stressing ongoing reforms and deepening Uzbek-Turkmen “good-neighbourliness” and strategic partnership. Child Protection Prep: In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan held technical consultations with UNICEF to prepare for the UN-backed Manila conference on ending violence against children, focusing on family support, child-friendly justice, and prevention and response systems. Energy Efficiency Push: UNDP and GEF seminars in Ashgabat trained architects and students on near-zero energy and sustainable building design, aiming to boost Turkmenistan’s capacity for greener construction. Methane Leak Repairs: A UN-linked methane alert system reports Turkmenistan has been repairing major gas leaks, with officials responding to dozens of satellite-detected cases. Armenia-Turkmenistan Climate Link: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan invited President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the COP17 leaders’ summit in Yerevan; Turkmenistan accepted, alongside plans to expand trade and economic ties. Regional Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s foreign minister met the Netherlands’ Tom Berendsen in The Hague, discussing wider cooperation in transport, energy, agriculture, high tech, and education. Youth & Education Messaging: Hero-Arkadag delivered multiple public lessons in Arkadag, urging youth to back science, education, digitalization, and the “Smart Society” concept. Sports & Culture: Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke equestrian heritage and international sports diplomacy continue to draw attention, while Turkmen athletes took part in the World Nomad Games. Gas Pipeline Vision: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the TAPI gas pipeline as a long-term energy project for a region of about 2 billion people and stressed job creation and electricity expansion. Chevening Alumni Network: Turkmenistan will lead a new Central Asian Chevening alumni mentorship hub, launching webinars and a regional impact conference through 2027. Environmental Youth Contest: A free “Young Naturalist” intellectual contest invites ages 15–24 to test knowledge on ozone-layer protection and climate solutions. PPP Blocks Pakistan Gas Bills: In Pakistan, the PPP blocked two government bills on natural gas revenue adjustments, reflecting wider political friction in the ruling coalition.

COP17 Diplomacy: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan invited Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the COP17 Leaders’ Summit in Yerevan this October; Berdimuhamedov accepted, as both sides also stressed expanding trade and economic ties. Neutrality on the Global Stage: Turkmenistan’s UN envoy Vepa Hajiyev presented the Group of Friends of Neutrality at a UN forum on the Culture of Peace, linking neutrality to conflict prevention and women’s leadership in preventive diplomacy. Energy & Youth Messaging: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov used a public lesson in Arkadag to push the TAPI gas pipeline vision—aimed at supplying a region of about 2 billion people—and to urge youth involvement in a “Smart Society” built on science and digitalization. Bilateral Moves with Europe: Turkmenistan’s foreign minister met the Netherlands’ Tom Berendsen in The Hague, discussing deeper cooperation in transport, ports, agriculture, energy, and education, while Turkmenistan also advanced sports diplomacy with World Tennis. Public Health Alert: Three Turkmen workers in Belarus were hospitalized after eating death cap mushrooms. Sports Spotlight: Turkmenistan kicked off the AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers with a 2–1 win over Iraq, while Turkmen athletes won medals at the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan.

OSCE & Clean Energy Minerals: A new OSCE report spotlights Central Asia’s uranium, copper, lithium and rare earth potential as EU and US supply chains shift toward cleaner power. Education & Science Ties: Ashgabat hosted the first Turkmen-Georgian working group meeting to expand joint education, research, youth camps and university exchanges. Women & Peace Diplomacy: Turkmenistan urged stronger women’s leadership in conflict prevention at a UN high-level forum, linking neutrality with dialogue and mediation. Early Warning Systems: An OSCE seminar in Ashgabat trained Turkmen hydrometeorology specialists on modern tech for drought monitoring and multi-hazard early warning. Turkmen Youth Lesson: A national “general lesson” for students and teachers in Arkadag highlighted education, patriotism and Turkmenistan’s neutrality. Sports & Culture: Turkmen athletes opened the World Nomad Games with wrestling medals, while Kyrgyzstan and others also celebrated early golds and cultural programs. Agriculture & Food Markets: Coverage marked Turkmenistan’s dairy and footwear market changes since independence, showing more branded, standardized consumer options.

Education & Science Ties: Georgia and Turkmenistan held the first meeting of a new working group on education and science, focusing on joint academic and research projects, youth camps, and stronger links between universities. Cultural Diplomacy in Ashgabat: The French Institute opened its doors for an Open Day on Sept. 5, featuring French courses, DELF/DALF exams, a media library, and a cultural program including a new photo exhibition. Sports Spotlight: Turkmen wrestlers started the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan with gold and bronze in goresh and kurash. Energy & Trade Watch: Turkmenistan’s Caspian gas push advanced as Petronas secured new offshore blocks in the Turkmen sector, alongside plans for additional surveys. Consular Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan held consular consultations in Ashgabat, discussing visa convenience, migration, legal affairs, and signing a protocol for next talks in Baku. Road Safety Month: Turkmenistan launched a month-long road safety campaign with school-focused awareness, patrols, and upgraded crossings and traffic signals. Climate & Health Angle: Turkmenistan began plugging major methane mega-leaks, while three Turkmen workers in Belarus were saved after death-cap poisoning.

Education & Infrastructure: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov opened new campus complexes for the Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute and the Seyitnazar Seydi Pedagogical Institute, highlighting upgraded labs, dorm capacity for 2,600 students, and international-standard training for 5,000 learners. Road Safety: Turkmenistan kicked off a month-long “Roadsafety – peace of mind” campaign with school-focused awareness, bicycle patrols, and upgraded crossings, signs, and LED traffic lights. Diplomacy (Azerbaijan): Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan held consular consultations in Ashgabat, discussing citizen protection, migration and internal affairs, and possible visa simplification, with the next round set for Baku in 2027. Environment: UNDP and GEF supported a national seminar in Ashgabat to update Turkmenistan’s biodiversity strategy and action plan for 2026–2035 and prepare CBD reporting. Health Incident: Three Turkmen workers in Belarus were poisoned by death caps; after intensive treatment in Lida and Grodno, all were reported in good condition and discharged. Sports & Culture: Turkmen athletes competed at the World Nomad Games, with goresh gold going to Annagurban Allaberdiev and kurash bronze to Kemal Kemalov.

Diplomacy & Consular Affairs: Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan held the next round of consular consultations in Ashgabat, discussing protection of citizens’ rights, migration and legal cooperation, and agreeing to simplify visa-related arrangements; the protocol was signed and next talks are set for Baku. Road Safety: Turkmenistan kicked off a month-long “Roadsafety – peace of mind” campaign with school and enterprise awareness events, bicycle patrols, and upgraded crossings, signs and LED traffic lights. Education Upgrade: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov opened new university complexes in Ashgabat and Turkmenabat, including a 5,000-student campus for the State Institute of Architecture and Construction with modern labs and dorms, alongside a push to raise education to a “qualitatively new level.” International Skills & Certification: A Pearson Certiport center was inaugurated in Turkmenistan, enabling internationally recognized IT and professional certifications locally. Environment & Biodiversity: Turkmenistan and WWF signed an MoU to expand environmental protection cooperation, including biodiversity conservation and restoration priorities. Regional Sports Spotlight: Turkmen athletes won medals at the World Nomad Games in Cholpon-Ata, with goresh gold for Annagurban Allaberdiev and kurash bronze for Kemal Kemalov.

Methane & Energy Oversight: UN satellite monitoring flagged Turkmenistan as a major methane hotspot, issuing 192 alerts over the past year, though eight major leaks were reported stopped after repairs—an issue that could matter more as EU gas access increasingly links to methane footprints. Education & Youth: Turkmenistan marked the Day of Knowledge and the start of the 2026–2027 academic year with first bells nationwide, including the ceremonial delivery of “Bilimli” laptops to first-graders and a focus on digital skills and AI. International Cooperation in Education: Georgia proposed opening a university branch in Turkmenistan, expanding study opportunities, and holding an education fair, while Turkmenistan briefed partners on education reforms and AI/digital tools. Healthcare Upgrade: Ashgabat’s new International Pediatric Center is nearing completion, aiming to bring high-tech pediatric care and digital solutions (including AI) into routine practice. Sports Diplomacy: Turkmen athletes competed at the World Nomad Games in Bishkek, winning medals in wrestling disciplines as the event drew leaders and delegations from 100+ countries. SCO Spotlight: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, leaders including India’s Modi and Iran’s Pezeshkian discussed security, connectivity, and regional cooperation, with Pezeshkian thanking Putin for Russia’s stance during the US-Iran conflict.

World Nomad Games & Sports Diplomacy: The 6th World Nomad Games opened in Bishkek with delegations from 104 countries and 21 heads of state, while Kyrgyzstan’s first-day wrestling medals also highlighted Turkmenistan’s strength in guresh and kurash. SCO Summit in Bishkek: SCO leaders met under the bloc’s 25th-anniversary theme, focusing on security, trade, energy and connectivity, with Afghanistan on the agenda as member states urged an inclusive government. Afghanistan Reconstruction Pressure: Reports say billions spent on Afghanistan’s reconstruction after ISAF/NATO withdrawal left many projects unfinished, as Kabul seeks renewed investment amid sanctions and stalled development. Turkmenistan Climate Watch: UN satellite monitoring flagged Turkmenistan among the world’s worst methane hotspots, though the UN says eight major leaks were stopped after repairs—an issue that could matter more as EU gas rules link access to methane footprints. Turkmen-Japan Green Tech Talks: Japan’s foreign ministry signaled interest in circular economy and AI cooperation with Turkmenistan, including plans for training and data-centre projects. Turkmenistan-UN Cooperation: Turkmenistan signed a WWF environmental protection memorandum for 2026–2030, targeting biodiversity, protected areas, and species conservation. Local Life & Education: Turkmenistan marked the start of the new academic year with a presidential message urging students and teachers to pursue science and innovation. Trade & Markets: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions recorded over $7.27m in transactions, with cottonseed oil, flour, textiles and raw silk sold to buyers including the UAE and Türkiye. Turkmen-Türkiye Commemoration: Ashgabat hosted Victory Day celebrations with Türkiye’s ambassador, underscoring the close political and cultural ties.