AGP Executive Report

Armenia–Turkmenistan Diplomacy: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to expand bilateral trade and economic ties and formally invited him to Armenia for the COP17 Leaders’ Summit in Yerevan in October; Berdimuhamedov accepted. Neutrality on the Global Stage: Turkmenistan used UN forums to push its “culture of peace” message, with its UN envoy backing a neutrality-linked approach to conflict prevention and calling for greater women’s leadership in preventive diplomacy. Foreign Policy Outreach: Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met the Netherlands’ Tom Berendsen in The Hague, discussing deeper political-diplomatic cooperation and business links in transport, ports, agriculture, energy, and high tech, plus education and diplomat training. Youth and State Ideology: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov delivered another “public lesson” in Arkadag, stressing science and education, patriotism, and the role of neutrality as a historical guarantee of stability. Energy and Security Context: A CIS security chiefs meeting in Russia warned that global threats are widening and that intelligence sharing is becoming more urgent. International Sports Diplomacy: Turkmenistan advanced sports cooperation with World Tennis, including plans for junior tournaments in Turkmenistan under the organization’s auspices starting in 2027.

UN Neutrality & Women’s Peace Diplomacy: Turkmenistan used the UN High-level Forum on the Culture of Peace to press for a bigger role for women in preventive diplomacy, linking neutrality to conflict prevention and calling for wider implementation of UN resolutions. Foreign Policy Outreach: Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met the Netherlands’ Tom Berendsen in The Hague, reaffirming permanent neutrality and discussing expanded cooperation in trade, logistics, energy, education, and diplomatic training. Regional Energy & Security Context: A new analysis highlights how renewed U.S.-Iran escalation could ripple into Central Asia via oil prices and Persian Gulf transport routes, while separate reporting notes Turkmenistan’s Caspian gas expansion is advancing with Petronas. Bilateral Governance: Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan held consular consultations in Ashgabat, focusing on citizen protection, migration, dual citizenship prevention, and cooperation between migration services. Ashgabat Institutional Life: OSCE-backed experts in Ashgabat trained Turkmen hydrometeorology officials on modern early-warning tools, including satellite data and drought monitoring. Education & State Messaging: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov delivered encouragement to students and teachers and backed new university complexes, while a separate “appreciation conference” in Arkadag promoted the National Leader’s public lesson as a model for education workers. Culture & Sports: The World Akhal-Teke Championship is set to begin in the Netherlands, drawing international participation and spotlighting Turkmen equestrian heritage.

Turkmen-Azerbaijan Consular Talks: Ashgabat hosted consular consultations where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation on migration, legal affairs, and law enforcement, with special focus on preventing dual citizenship and managing students’ stay in Azerbaijan; a Protocol on Consular Consultations was signed. Caspian Gas Push: Turkmenistan’s offshore Caspian expansion gained momentum as Petronas secured new blocks in the Turkmen sector (Blocks 19 and 20) and further surveys are planned, while Turkmenistan seeks additional gas markets. Education & Skills Upgrade in Ashgabat: New university campuses opened for the start of the academic year, featuring modern labs and high-tech facilities; a Pearson Certiport certification center also opened, aiming to bring internationally recognized exams and qualifications to students and professionals. Biodiversity Planning: UNDP and GEF-backed work in Ashgabat advanced Turkmenistan’s updated biodiversity strategy for 2026–2035 and preparation of its 7th CBD national report, bringing ministries, science, business, and civil society together. Regional Security Context: A renewed U.S.-Iran escalation is again raising risks for Central Asia’s energy and transport corridors, with potential knock-on effects for prices and logistics. Culture & Public Life: A French Institute “Open Day” in Ashgabat promoted language learning and cultural programming, including a new photo exhibition location.

Korea-Central Asia Summit Security: Turkmenistan’s regional partners are preparing for the mid-September Korea-Central Asia Summit as South Korea’s Presidential Security Service launches a situation room in Seoul to manage leader and delegation safety around venues, airports, and accommodations. Education & Youth Policy: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov marked the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth with encouragement to students and teachers and the opening of new university complexes, including a 5,000-student campus for the Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute, alongside upgraded training facilities and modern labs. Halk Maslahaty Outreach: A conference in Aktau ahead of the Sept. 23 Halk Maslahaty meeting highlighted the political role of the body and the international push to declare 2028 as the International Year of International Law. Biodiversity Governance: In Ashgabat, UNDP and GEF-backed work is underway to update Turkmenistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 2026–2035 and prepare the 7th CBD national report, with broad participation from ministries, science, business, and civil society. Environmental Cooperation: Turkmenistan and WWF signed a cooperation memorandum focused on biodiversity protection, ecological corridors, and conservation plans for key species. Road Safety Campaign: A month-long “Roadsafety – peace of mind” drive rolls out nationwide awareness, enforcement near schools, and upgraded pedestrian crossings and traffic signage. Regional Diplomacy: Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan held consular consultations in Ashgabat, agreeing on steps to protect citizens’ rights, address dual citizenship risks, and improve migration and legal cooperation.

Education Reform & State Capacity: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov opened new campuses for the Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute and the Seyitnazar Seydi Pedagogical Institute, highlighting high-tech labs and international certifications as Turkmenistan pushes science and education to a “qualitatively new level.” Biodiversity & UN Reporting: In Ashgabat, UNDP/GEF-backed talks with ministries, scientists, business and civil society reviewed Turkmenistan’s draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 2026–2035 and preparations for CBD reporting. Environmental Partnerships: Turkmenistan and WWF signed an MoU on environmental protection, including biodiversity monitoring, protected areas, and conservation work for key species. Public Safety Campaign: Turkmenistan launched a month-long “Roadsafety – peace of mind” drive with school outreach, bicycle patrols, stricter enforcement near education sites, and upgraded crossings, signage and LED lights. International Consular Cooperation: Ashgabat hosted Turkmen-Azerbaijani consular consultations; both sides agreed a protocol covering citizen rights, migration and legal cooperation, with attention to dual citizenship and students abroad. Regional Diplomacy & Culture: Turkmenistan participated in the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, while the SCO summit in Bishkek underscored broader Eurasian security and economic agendas. Energy & Compliance Pressure: UN satellite monitoring flagged Turkmenistan as a major methane hotspot, while new EU gas rules raise the stakes for emissions transparency. Tech & Skills: A Pearson Certiport center opened in Turkmenistan, expanding access to internationally recognized digital certifications. Travel Disruption: Flights via Dubai and Abu Dhabi were delayed after US-Iran strikes, affecting routes well beyond the Gulf.

Education & Standards: Turkmenistan marked Knowledge Day with new high-tech university campuses in Ashgabat and Turkmenabat, plus international ISO certification and a new Pearson Certiport center at the architecture and construction institute—moves aimed at boosting skills and globally recognized qualifications. Bilateral Education Talks: Georgia proposed opening a university branch in Turkmenistan, expanding student exchanges, and holding an education fair after talks in Ashgabat with Turkmen officials. Healthcare Modernization: Ashgabat’s International Pediatric Center nears completion, with plans for AI-enabled diagnostics and closer international clinical cooperation. Environment & Energy Scrutiny: UN satellite monitoring flagged Turkmenistan as a major methane hotspot (192 alerts), while repairs reportedly stopped multiple large leaks—an issue now tied to tightening EU gas rules. Regional Diplomacy: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, leaders discussed security and economic cooperation; Iran’s Pezeshkian publicly thanked Putin for Moscow’s stance during the US-Iran war. Travel Policy: Kazakhstan will require QazETA electronic permits for visa-free travelers starting Nov. 1, 2026, with phased coverage across land and rail/sea. Sports & Culture: Turkmen athletes took part in the World Nomad Games in Bishkek, alongside major international delegations.

Education Diplomacy: Georgia proposed opening a Georgian university branch in Turkmenistan, expanding student study opportunities, and hosting an education fair after talks in Ashgabat between Turkmen Deputy PM Batyr Mammedov and Georgia’s education minister. Academic Reset: Turkmenistan marked the Day of Knowledge and the start of the 2026–2027 school year with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s address, first lessons nationwide, and “Bilimli” laptops for first-graders. Healthcare Delivery: Ashgabat’s International Pediatric Center is nearing completion; the new five-story facility will open in 2026 with plans for high-tech care and deeper international clinical cooperation. Methane Scrutiny: UN satellite monitoring flagged Turkmenistan as a major methane hotspot, issuing 192 alerts over a year; the report notes multiple major leaks were stopped after repairs, amid growing EU pressure linking gas access to methane footprints. Regional Security & Governance: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, leaders backed an inclusive Afghan government with broad ethnic and political participation, while also emphasizing counterterrorism and regional stability. SCO Spotlight: The SCO summit also served as a high-profile stage for major leaders, with Turkmenistan’s broader regional engagement reflected in the event’s agenda on security, trade, energy, and connectivity. Cultural-Sport Showcase: Turkmen athletes took part in the World Nomad Games in Bishkek, running through 6 September, as the event promoted Central Asian traditions and ethnosports to a global audience. Environmental Cooperation: Turkmenistan and WWF signed an MoU to expand biodiversity protection, ecological corridors, and a 2026–2030 joint plan focused on endangered species and climate resilience. Turkiye Commemoration: Ashgabat hosted Türkiye’s 104th Victory Day reception with diplomatic participation and renewed emphasis on the strategic depth of Turkmen-Turkish ties.

UN Diplomacy & Neutrality: Turkmenistan is set to use the 81st UN General Assembly to push its neutrality-led agenda on peacebuilding, security and sustainable development, with a focus on preventive mechanisms and regional cooperation. SCO Summit Watch: Leaders in Bishkek for the SCO’s 25th anniversary are expected to prioritize counterterrorism, connectivity and energy, while the Middle East crisis around Iran and Afghanistan remains high on the agenda. Japan–Turkmenistan Strategic Push: Japan’s foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi met President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, signaling deeper cooperation on AI, education and circular economy, including plans for AI training and research infrastructure. Turkmen–WWF Environmental Deal: Turkmenistan and WWF signed an MoU for 2026–2030 cooperation on biodiversity, protected areas, ecological corridors and conservation of species including Persian leopard and Bukhara deer. Education & Youth: A new academic year opened across Turkmenistan, with President Berdimuhamedov urging students to study, innovate and build the country’s future on science and education. Turkiye–Turkmenistan Ties: Türkiye’s ambassador in Ashgabat pledged continued support for Turkmenistan’s sovereignty and permanent neutrality, while Türkiye’s OTS trade figures underscore growing regional economic links. Cultural Diplomacy: TURKSOY writers’ unions met in Andijan to map new literary cooperation among Turkic states, reinforcing cultural ties alongside political engagement.

Turkmenistan–WWF Environmental Pact: Ashgabat signed a 2026–2030 Memorandum with the World Wide Fund for Nature to boost biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and conservation of species like the Persian leopard, kulan, Bukhara deer, goitered gazelle, and Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon, with plans for ecological corridors, protected-area upgrades, monitoring, and environmental education. Regional Diplomacy at the SCO: As the SCO marks its 25th anniversary in Bishkek, leaders including Xi, Putin, Modi, and Iran’s Pezeshkian are set to focus on security, connectivity, energy, and counterterrorism, with Middle East tensions and the future of major transport links likely on the agenda. Turkmenistan in International Outreach: Turkmenistan also pushed its initiatives through ECO cooperation, discussing joint trade zones to expand cross-border trade, transit, investment, and regional connectivity. Japan–Turkmenistan Talks: Japan’s FM Motegi met President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, while education and tech cooperation were highlighted in separate discussions, including AI and broader partnership themes. Tourism Promotion: Turkmenistan showcased tourism growth and assets—Avaza, UNESCO sites like Merv/Nisa/Kunya Urgench, and desert and equestrian attractions—at CIS media meetings. Health & Innovation: Turkmen biotechnologists unveiled yeast-free functional bread using local bioresources aimed at nutrition-related disease prevention.

Methane & Energy Governance: Turkmenistan says it has begun plugging “mindboggling” methane mega-leaks, repairing eight super-emitter sources and responding to UN methane alerts—an early climate-policy signal tied to aging oil and gas infrastructure. Regional Diplomacy (SCO): As the SCO summit gathers in Bishkek, coverage highlights the bloc’s role in Central Asian stability and the diplomatic choreography around leaders from Russia, China, India and others. Japan–Turkmenistan Education & Tech: Japan’s FM Toshimitsu Motegi met President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Turkmen officials, with talks pointing to deeper cooperation in AI, data centers, circular economy and education, including Korean-language teaching links. Domestic Appointments & Administration: A presidential decree appoints Selimov S.N. as hakim of Avaza etrap and head of the Avaza national tourist zone management. Smart City & Public Services: Arkadag’s second-phase upgrades continue, including a museum concept using 3D animation and AI, plus new foreign-language-focused school plans. Electricity Sector Expansion: Turkmenistan’s government instructed work to strengthen Türkmenenergo’s material base and expand power generation capacity, while regional reporting notes broader grid upgrades. Tourism Push: Turkmenistan promotes Avaza and UNESCO heritage (Merv, Nisa, Kunya Urgench) to CIS partners, alongside support for private tour operators and language-skilled staffing. International Connectivity Context: Broader reporting ties Central Asia’s connectivity agenda to open-border hopes and security constraints, shaping how regional mobility—and tourism—can grow.

Presidential Appointments: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a decree appointing Soyenchnazar Selimov as hakim of Avaza etrap in Turkmenbashy and chairman of the Avaza national tourist zone management. Japan–Turkmenistan Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met Japan’s Toshimitsu Motegi, with both sides flagging AI, data centers, circular economy and workforce development beyond energy ties ahead of Motegi’s Ashgabat visit. SCO Geopolitics: India’s PM Narendra Modi is set to meet Putin and Xi in Bishkek for the SCO summit, underscoring “Security, Connectivity and Opportunity” as the bloc marks 25 years. Regional Mobility vs Security: Central Asia’s push for easier borders for tourists runs into entrenched security concerns, with border friction still shaping travel plans. Tourism Policy in Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan highlighted tourism as state policy at a CIS news-agency council, citing support for private operators, 70+ service companies, and Avaza’s ongoing expansion. Digital Economy Drafting: Turkmenistan is preparing a law on electronic commerce, aiming to formalize e-transactions and align with international legal standards. Energy Governance: The cabinet was instructed to strengthen Türkmenenergo’s material and technical base to secure reliable electricity supplies. International Recognition: Turkmenistan received Türkiye’s newly appointed ambassador Şener Cebeci after he presented credentials, with both sides stressing long-term strategic cooperation.

Uzbekistan–India Strategic Pivot: Uzbekistan and India are moving from political ties to a broad strategic partnership covering trade, healthcare, digital tech, education, security and transport, with trade up from $366m (2016) to $1.3bn (2025) and a push toward localization and joint production. Regional Connectivity: The India–Chabahar–Iran–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan corridor is highlighted as a potential gateway for landlocked Uzbekistan and a boost for India’s access to Central Asia, alongside links to the International North–South Transport Corridor and the Ashgabat Agreement. Turkmenistan Energy Build-Out: Turkmenistan’s government says work is underway to expand power generation and improve supply reliability, with attention to cooperation with foreign firms; a new combined-cycle unit at Kiyanly is tied to commissioning around 2027. CIS Tourism Diplomacy: Turkmenistan is presenting its tourism potential at the CIS Council of Heads of State News Agencies in Issyk-Kul, stressing state support for private tour operators and Avaza’s ongoing expansion. E-Commerce Legal Framework: Turkmenistan is preparing a draft law on electronic commerce, aiming to formalize rules for transactions, consumer protection and links to the banking system as part of broader digital-economy legislation. Japan–Turkmenistan Next Phase: Japan’s foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi is set to visit Ashgabat to deepen cooperation across economics, connectivity, diplomacy and emerging technologies. Diplomatic Credentials: Türkiye’s newly appointed ambassador Şener Cebeci presented credentials to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, with both sides stressing long-term strategic ties and economic cooperation. Health Infrastructure: Ashgabat’s new oncology center is nearing completion, framed as a major upgrade to regional medical capacity.

Diplomacy & Credentials: Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Türkiye’s newly appointed ambassador Şener Cebeci after he presented credentials, reaffirming “fraternal” ties and cooperation across politics, trade, and international forums. Regional Politics: Japan’s FM Toshimitsu Motegi is set to visit Ashgabat on 29–30 August, aiming to deepen economic, energy, infrastructure, science, and technology cooperation. Health & State Policy: Ashgabat’s new international oncology centre is nearing completion, with plans to open this year and deliver services aligned with top international standards. Education & Youth: Mary velayat is preparing for the 2026–2027 school year, with first-graders receiving laptops; UNICEF also backed a solar power station for a Mary school. Energy & Connectivity: With Hormuz transit uncertainty and Iran-linked disruptions, attention is again on the INSTC as an alternative Eurasian route. International Security: The SCO summit in Bishkek next week will bring Putin, Xi, Modi, and Pezeshkian together, underscoring trade and transport priorities amid regional tensions. Culture & International Events: Zaha Hadid Architects will join CIET 2026 in Ashgabat (3–5 November), bringing global expertise on sustainable design and infrastructure delivery.

Health Infrastructure: Turkmenistan is nearing completion of a new International scientific and clinical oncology centre in Ashgabat, with commissioning and construction wrap-up underway and an opening planned this year ahead of major national dates, framed as a move to deliver care at “highest international standards.” Tech in Healthcare: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also inspected the final stage of the new Dental Centre, highlighting AI-powered 3D scanning and a digitally controlled lab to speed diagnostics and improve precision in implantology and maxillofacial services. Diplomacy & Law: In Ashgabat, UNFPA held consultations with ministries to finalize Turkmenistan’s 14th UN Inquiry on Population and Development submission, while an EU envoy concluded a diplomatic mission after praising cooperation across political, economic, transport, energy, digitalisation and rule-of-law areas. Regional Engagement: Japan’s FM Toshimitsu Motegi announced a visit to Turkmenistan (29 Aug–4 Sep) as part of a wider diplomatic tour focused on energy, infrastructure, science and technology cooperation. International Politics: Syria’s transitional leadership appointed Mazloum Abdi, former SDF commander, as a presidential adviser as the SDF dissolves and integrates into state structures; the move is echoed by Türkiye’s push for a unified, inclusive Syria. Energy & Trade: TAPI edges closer to first gas sales as Turkmenistan prepares to supply Afghanistan’s Herat province, with commissioning of the local section expected within two months. Civic & Education: UNICEF and the Ministry of Education opened a solar power station at Mary’s School No. 36, pairing PV generation with battery storage and positioning it as a hands-on renewable energy learning site.

Halk Maslahaty & UN “International Year of Law”: Turkmenistan’s MFA-backed conference in Uzbekistan highlighted the Sept. 23 Halk Maslahaty meeting and the 2028 UNGA resolution “2028 – International Year of Law,” framing the forum as a platform to review independence achievements and set long-term national priorities. Diplomacy (Japan): Japan’s FM Toshimitsu Motegi will visit Turkmenistan (29 Aug–4 Sep tour), with talks focused on energy, infrastructure, science and technology, alongside a broader push to reaffirm rule-of-law aligned partnerships. EU ties: The EU ambassador in Ashgabat concluded her mission after meetings with MFA chief Rashid Meredov, with both sides stressing cooperation across politics, transport/energy, digitalisation and rule-of-law and human rights. UN population work: UNFPA consultations in Ashgabat supported Turkmenistan’s preparation of the 14th UN Inquiry on Population and Development, reviewing modules from ageing and pensions to fertility, urbanisation and disaster risk. Health modernization (AI dentistry): President Serdar Berdimuhamedov inspected Ashgabat’s new Dental Centre, emphasizing AI-enabled 3D scanning and digital workflows to speed diagnostics and improve implant and maxillofacial care. Regional energy (TAPI): Reporting from Herat says the TAPI pipeline’s Afghan section could be commissioned within two months, moving closer to the first practical gas sales. Syria media identity: Syria accredited Turkmen TV, presenting it as the first officially registered channel carrying the Turkmen community’s name amid post-war media restructuring.

Turkmenistan’s AI dental push: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov inspected Ashgabat’s new Dental Centre as it nears completion, highlighting AI-powered 3D scanning and digital workflows to speed diagnostics and improve precision in implantology and maxillofacial surgery. Diplomatic reset with Germany: Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met Germany’s newly appointed ambassador Petra Dachtler, stressing high-level contacts and cooperation across politics, trade, culture, healthcare, and education. Energy and regional connectivity: Afghanistan’s Herat governor says the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (TAPI) gas pipeline section is on track for completion and commissioning within two months, with Turkmen work to be handed over after remaining tasks. Iran sanctions pressure spills outward: Multiple reports track Washington’s “Operation Economic Outcast” and wider secondary sanctions, with Iran’s trade and regional partners like Turkey and Pakistan facing new risks. Renewables for schools: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education authorities opened a solar power station at Mary’s School No. 36 ahead of 1 September, pairing PV generation with battery storage to make classrooms safer and more energy-efficient. Turkmenistan–Japan cooperation: A video conference between Turkmen and Japanese officials discussed upcoming committee meetings and projects in gas chemistry, transport, and the circular economy. Cultural diplomacy: The Korea-Central Asia Summit 2026 gets a public promo boost in Seoul, while Turkmenistan-linked admissions open for the 2027 Graduate School of Korean Studies.