AGP Executive Report

Turkmenistan e-Visa Rollout: Turkmenistan’s Migration Service launched an electronic visa system on Oct. 1, with three categories (tourist, business, humanitarian) and a dedicated portal, but the application rules and eligibility details are still only partially clear and the portal has been difficult to access for some travelers. Travel & Entry Rights: A Delhi High Court ruling highlighted that holding a valid visa does not automatically guarantee entry into India, after a Turkmen citizen was denied entry despite having a business visa. Regional Connectivity Talks: Turkmenistan’s parliament met a Lithuanian delegation to discuss expanding trade and transport/logistics links under the Central Asia–EU format, including corridor development and interparliamentary cooperation. Energy & Trade Links: A uranium fuel convoy for Bangladesh’s Rooppur plant is moving under tight security, with the route reportedly passing through Turkmenistan among other countries. Sports Spotlight: Turkmen weightlifter Shahzadbek Matyakubov won silver at the 2026 Asian Games in the 110kg category, adding a second medal for Turkmenistan. Everyday Economy: Reports say Turkmenistan’s chronic shortage of tenge coins is forcing shoppers and commuters to rely on workarounds like rounding prices and paying full manats.

Digital Travel: Turkmenistan’s National Migration Service launched an e-visa portal on Oct. 2 (after a formal rollout on Oct. 1), with three categories—tourist (e-TU), business (e-BS, up to 30 days), and humanitarian (e-HM)—and an online process for document upload, payment, and real-time application tracking via evisa.migration.gov.tm. Central Asia–EU Links: In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s Mejlis met a Lithuanian delegation and discussed expanding trade and transport/logistics ties under the Central Asia–EU format, with Lithuania pointing to corridor-building and legislative exchange. Investment Forum: The Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026 in Ashgabat highlighted new instruments and rules for business, including a track on virtual assets and mining technologies under the 2026 “On Virtual Assets” law, plus an inaugural legal forum covering investment legislation, mediation, and international arbitration. Energy & Climate Policy: At TIF 2026, EU Ambassador Luc Devigne said EU cooperation could increasingly focus on “green” solar and wind, while also continuing work on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and methane emissions. Trade With Europe: Devigne also said Turkmenistan–EU trade turnover reached €1.4 billion, with the EU seeking to expand projects as transport connectivity and trade facilitation remain key priorities. Visa Ruling: A Delhi High Court case involving a Turkmen citizen reiterated that holding a valid visa does not guarantee entry into India. Regional Security Memory: A Qatar Red Crescent workshop on earthquake preparedness cited lessons from the 1948 Ashgabat quake, stressing practical drills and public awareness.

Uranium Transport: A convoy carrying uranium fuel for Bangladesh’s Rooppur nuclear plant departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport under tight security, with nine flights planned for November–December and the route passing through Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. Defense Exports: India’s Defense Secretary says the Akash air-defense system has been exported to Armenia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, with production stabilized and more orders expected. EU Connectivity: Turkmenistan and Lithuania discussed expanding trade and transport links via the Central Asia–EU format, while the EU reiterated support for the Trans-Caspian Transport Route and highlighted Turkmenistan’s role through the Turkmenbashi port. Investment Forum: At TIF 2026 in Ashgabat, officials focused on virtual assets, fintech, AI and green transformation, including a legal forum on investment and discussions with development institutions. Energy & Climate Rules: Turkmenistan reviewed international methane-emission standards with EU/Germany-backed support, aiming to adapt EU-style regulation for the energy sector. Everyday Economy: A report highlights Turkmenistan’s chronic shortage of tenge coins, forcing shoppers and bus riders into awkward workarounds. Sports: Turkmenistan’s Shahzadbek Matyakubov won Asian Games silver in 110kg weightlifting, adding to the country’s medal haul.

Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026: Ashgabat hosted the second day of TIF 2026, spotlighting new deal-making tools for investors, including a track on virtual assets and mining technologies under the 2026 “On Virtual Assets” law, plus a Legal Forum on Investment covering mediation and international arbitration. Green Energy Policy: Turkmenistan reviewed international methane-emission standards with EU-backed support, aiming to adapt EU-style rules to national regulation for the energy sector. Everyday Economy: A chronic cash shortage of tenge coins is reshaping daily life, from supermarket change workarounds to bus fares in Ashgabat where passengers often pay a full manat due to lack of small change. International Finance Pressure: The US sanctioned the A7 financial network as a major sanctions-evasion scheme tied to Russian and Iranian financial activity. Regional Energy Link: The TAPI gas pipeline has reached the outskirts of Herat, with plans to extend into the city and an industrial park. Human Rights Watch: A UN rapporteur report highlights systematic trial violations against Iran’s minorities, including Turkmen communities.

Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF) 2026: Ashgabat hosted the third TIF on Oct. 1–2, aiming to turn investor interest into practical projects by linking government bodies and local firms with international investors, development banks and tech companies. Organisers say the forum draws 800+ delegates from 40+ countries, with 200+ foreign companies represented, and it follows September priorities set by the Halk Maslakhaty. EU climate policy push: A consultation in Ashgabat reviewed international standards to cut methane emissions, with Turkmen ministries and Turkmengaz/Turkmennebit discussing how to adapt EU-style rules to national conditions under an EU-backed green development programme. Energy and regional connectivity: The TAPI gas pipeline has reached the outskirts of Herat, with plans to extend into the city and an industrial park. Security and migration: Reporting based on leaked Turkmen MVD data says authorities maintain a long-term list of 613 people targeted for political and religious arrest abroad. Separately, Turkmenistan’s Migration Service briefed diplomats on improving migration procedures, including electronic visas and online registration. Diplomacy: Belarus’ ambassador met Turkmenistan’s deputy foreign minister to discuss education cooperation, including study options for Turkmen citizens in Belarus. Defense exports: India confirmed its Akash air-defense system has been exported to Armenia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, citing stabilised production and new orders.

TAPI Gas Pipeline: The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline has reached the outskirts of Herat, with officials saying work is underway to extend it into Herat city and a provincial industrial park. Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026): Ashgabat hosted TIF 2026, with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s address and talks highlighting industrialization, the digital economy, and regional gas links as priorities for investors. Armenia–Turkmenistan Trade: Armenia’s economy minister met Turkmen officials to discuss expanding trade and investment cooperation; Armenian exports to Turkmenistan rose sharply in the first half of the year. Galkynysh Gas Expansion: Turkmenistan is pushing ahead with the $5.1 billion fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field to expand production and export capacity. Migration Service Update: Turkmenistan’s State Migration Service held a briefing on improving migration procedures, including electronic visas and online registration. Turkmen–Türkiye Diplomacy: A meeting at Turkmenistan’s foreign ministry focused on strengthening political, cultural, and humanitarian ties. Sports (Regional Interest): At the Asian Games, Indian wrestler Nitesh Siwach won historic Greco-Roman silver; Turkmen wrestler Azatjan Achilov was among those he faced earlier in the medal run.

Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF) 2026 in Ashgabat: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov used the forum to pitch industrialization, digital tools and “green” priorities, while also framing it as a platform for dialogue with investors and international institutions. Aging policy spotlight: On International Day of Older Persons, Berdimuhamedov pledged continued support for elders, linking social unity to their experience and citing Halk Maslahaty proposals. Migration digitalization: Turkmenistan’s migration service briefed diplomats on e-visas, online registration, biometric passports and plans to use AI as the number of foreign visitors and departures rises. Diplomacy and ties: Ashgabat held meetings with Turkey and Belarus on strengthening political, cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Defense and security: A Turkmen military delegation attended Azerbaijan’s ADEX-2026, with both sides stressing Turkic military cooperation. Sports and culture: Turkmenistan opened a major Ahal-teke equestrian complex with new training and veterinary facilities, and the Oguz han university announced an international AI conference.

Turkmenistan’s Horse Breeding Push: Ashgabat opened a modern 1,200-seat Akhal-Teke equestrian complex, featuring labs, veterinary equipment, and a year-round feed setup aimed at improving breeding and preserving the purebred line. Regional Security Diplomacy: A CIS foreign ministers meeting is set for Ashgabat on Oct. 7, with Russia’s Lavrov expected to attend. Defense and Arms: Turkmenistan’s military delegation met Azerbaijan’s top general staff leadership during ADEX-2026 in Baku, while Turkmen media also highlighted new U.S.-made M7 rifles and M250 machine guns displayed during the independence parade. Energy Contract Talks: Moldova’s government is seeking long-term gas deals and price-fixing for part of winter supplies, naming Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan among potential sources. Digital Cooperation: Central Asia is advancing proposals for mutual recognition of electronic documents and closer alignment on AI and data rules, with a U.S. push for cybersecurity funding for the region. International Engagement: The first participants arrived for Turkmenistan’s Investment Forum 2026 in Ashgabat, starting with visits to major historical and cultural sites.

US-Turkmenistan Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined a South and Central Asia ambassadors’ conference in New Delhi, speaking with chiefs of mission including Turkmenistan’s representative and framing the talks around making the region “safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” Regional Security & Tech: At C5+1 in Astana, officials discussed AI and digital cooperation, with the US pledging $5 million for cybersecurity and trusted digital infrastructure across Central Asia, including training and critical infrastructure protection. Central Asia Trade Routes: Turkmenistan proposed a UN-backed international center for sustainable trade logistics and customs cooperation, plus a Caspian Sea corridor linking South and Central Asia with Europe. Turkmen Defense & Procurement: Turkmenistan publicly displayed new US-made M7 rifles and M250 machine guns during the Sept. 27 independence parade, signaling continued modernization of small arms. Energy & Industry: Dragon Oil highlighted its long-term Cheleken offshore operations in Turkmenistan, with the production sharing agreement extended to 2035. Turkmen Horses: Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed documents reshaping Ahal-teke equestrian events and awarding honorary titles to Turkmen and foreign horse breeders.

Turkmenistan Defense & Procurement: Ashgabat’s Sept. 27 independence parade showcased newly acquired American M7 rifles and M250 machine guns chambered for the 6.8×51 mm cartridge, underscoring a fresh phase in the country’s small-arms supply. Ahal-Teke Horse Policy: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired the 16th meeting of the International Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Association, approving new international structures and programmes; separate presidential decrees set honorary titles for Turkmen citizens and foreign figures, and outline plans for equestrian events and training standards. Trade & Finance: Turkmenistan reported SCRMET auction activity totaling over $2.821 million, with foreign buyers purchasing petroleum-related and textile-linked goods, while domestic sales reached 533.356 million manats. Diplomacy & Connectivity: Turkmenistan proposed a UN-backed international center for sustainable trade logistics and customs cooperation, plus a Caspian Sea transport corridor to diversify routes and boost trade. Regional Sports: Turkmenistan’s Shahzadbek Matyakubov won silver in men’s 110kg at the Asian Games, while the CIS Council confirmed the IV CIS Games will be held in Kyrgyzstan in 2027. Independence Outreach: Independence Day events were held in Türkiye and Pakistan, including public displays and cultural promotions tied to Turkmenistan’s 35th anniversary.

Turkmenistan Independence & diplomacy: Ashgabat marked 35 years of independence with a major parade and events abroad, while Turkmen officials highlighted preventive diplomacy, neutrality and pandemic-prevention initiatives at UN meetings in New York. Defense upgrade: Turkmenistan publicly unveiled the Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense system during the independence parade, adding to its growing Chinese-origin air-defense network. Investment push: The Turkmenistan Investment Forum is set for Oct. 1–2, with dozens of countries expected and talks focused on the Middle Corridor, export diversification and public-private partnerships. Migration & residency: The State Migration Service held a ceremony granting permanent residence permits to 146 foreign nationals and stateless persons. Regional context: Central Asia’s growth outlook remains solid, with the ADB projecting faster 2026 growth for most Turkmenistan’s neighbors. Travel disruption ripple: New U.S. sanctions on Iran’s aviation are further isolating the region, with flight cancellations and overflight restrictions affecting routes that can touch Turkmenistan-linked travel.

Independence Day in Ashgabat: Turkmenistan marked 35 years of independence with a major military parade and civilian celebrations, but state coverage was shadowed by fresh reports of food shortages and disrupted public transport. Pardons and policy signals: Ahead of the anniversary, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a decree pardoning 1,054 convicted citizens, with officials tasked to arrange their release and return home. Air-defence upgrade: During the anniversary parade, Turkmenistan displayed China’s FK-2000 short-range air-defence systems, underscoring Beijing’s growing role in the country’s missile network. Regional diplomacy: Turkmenistan held talks with Georgia’s ombudsman, highlighting expanding political, trade, and cultural ties, and also participated in OIC foreign ministers’ coordination and UN demographic-resilience events. Transit and trade push: Turkey’s deputy trade minister said a trilateral customs push with Azerbaijan and Georgia aims to cut border waiting times and speed East-West transit. Sports spotlight: Turkmenistan’s women won silver in Chess Olympiad Category B, while doping cases at the Asian Games included Turkmen karateka Dayanch Keletliyev testing positive for meldonium.

Independence Day in Ashgabat: Turkmenistan marked its 35th anniversary with a grand military and civilian parade and “Celebration of Creation” festivities, with foreign leaders sending congratulations and officials highlighting defense strength, economic progress, and cultural heritage. Diplomacy & rights: The Turkmen foreign ministry reported meetings with Georgia’s ombudsman on expanding political, trade, cultural and humanitarian ties, and Turkmenistan’s participation in OIC foreign ministers coordination and a UN event on demographic resilience. Pardons: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a decree pardoning 1,054 convicted citizens tied to the Independence anniversary, ordering their release and return to families. Sports & sanctions on athletes: At the Asian Games in Japan, Turkmen karate athlete Dayanch Keletliyev and Uzbekistan’s MMA bronze winner Nodirbek Shavkatov both tested positive for meldonium and were provisionally suspended. Regional spotlight: A week of coverage also flagged U.S. plans for a C5+1 meeting in Samarkand with a large business delegation, and ongoing aviation disruptions and Iran trade-route shifts affecting Central Asia.

Independence Day Diplomacy: Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa sent a congratulatory cable to Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, praising continued progress and prosperity on Sept. 27. Pardons and Citizenship: Berdimuhamedov signed a decree pardoning 1,054 convicted citizens on the 35th anniversary of independence, ordering their release and return to families. Sports—Doping Shock at Asian Games: Uzbekistan’s MMA bronze winner Nodirbek Shavkatov was provisionally suspended after testing positive for meldonium; the ITA said he can challenge the suspension and request a B-sample analysis, following a day after Turkmen karate athlete Dayanch Keletliyev also tested positive for the same substance. Turkmen in the Games: Turkmen women’s track athletes began Asian Games qualification in Nagoya, while the national women’s chess team drew Turkey 2-2 in Samarkand’s World Chess Olympiad. Regional Energy Context: Separate reporting highlights Iran’s shift toward Caspian routes amid Hormuz disruption and water-level challenges, underscoring the wider Caspian corridor pressures affecting Turkmenistan’s neighborhood.

Independence Anniversary Diplomacy: Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent congratulatory telegrams to Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, praising Turkmenistan’s modernization, neutrality and growing international standing. Pardons at 35 Years: President Berdimuhamedov signed a decree pardoning 1,054 convicted citizens on the 35th anniversary, ordering authorities to release them and return them to families. Sports—Asian Games: Turkmen track-and-field athletes began competing at the XX summer Asian Games in Japan, with veteran sprinter Valentina Meredova among the first on the track; meanwhile, a Turkmen tennis player Nazli Hudaygulyyeva will make her first appearance for Turkmenistan at the Asian 14U Junior Championships in Thailand. Regional Security: Pakistan urged ECO members to tackle militancy emanating from Afghanistan as key to lasting regional peace and stability, while ECO officials discussed connectivity and integration. Aviation Disruptions: New US sanctions continue to disrupt Iranian air travel, with Najaf airport suspending flights to and from Iran and the UAE also halting Iranian airline services. Economy: Turkmenistan’s GDP growth is projected at 6.3% in 2026, alongside job creation and major investment plans.

Turkmenistan in UN spotlight: Turkmenistan’s UN Ambassador Vepa Hajiyev joined a UN Alliance of Civilizations “Group of Friends” meeting in New York, alongside representatives from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and others, as officials pushed cultural diplomacy and dialogue to counter polarization and hate. Independence-era governance: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a resolution allowing 146 foreign nationals and stateless people to reside in Turkmenistan, citing individual applications and cooperation with UNHCR. Economy targets: Turkmenistan’s GDP growth is projected at 6.3% for 2026, with plans to create about 5,300 jobs and invest over 41.2 billion manats in 2026 development. Energy and regional ties: Turkmenistan’s role in regional connectivity also surfaced in talks tied to the C5+1 format, where the U.S. plans a mid-October business trip to Samarkand including Turkmenistan’s foreign minister. Caspian environment: Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan agreed a 2026–2027 joint work programme under the Tehran Convention to tackle shared Caspian Sea pollution and ecosystem decline. Aviation disruption ripple: Turkmenistan’s earlier denial of an Iranian aircraft overflight was part of a wider sanctions-driven aviation squeeze across the region.