AGP Executive Report

Iran Funeral Diplomacy: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says representatives from 70+ countries attended Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Tehran funeral, calling it a lasting memory in Iran’s ties with those states. Turkmen-Iran Talks: Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf during the visit, with both sides stressing stable relations and pushing faster cooperation in energy, transport, transit, trade and investment. Digital Heritage: In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s government reported progress on studying and restoring historical and cultural monuments and plans a unified digital database of heritage sites. Youth Tech Push: The Cabinet approved preparations for the «Digital Solution – 2026» competition to back young software and innovation projects across AI, robotics, digital medicine, education and smart agriculture. Water Management Review: An interagency meeting in Ashgabat reviewed Turkmenistan’s progress on SDG Indicator 6.5.1 for integrated water resources management and set next steps. Logistics Update: Turkmenistan says first-half cargo turnover through border checkpoints topped 10.5 million tons, with transit up 15% year-on-year.

Turkmen-Iran Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov attended Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran and met President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, with both sides stressing stable, friendly ties and pushing faster cooperation in energy, transport, transit, trade, investment, and Caspian environmental protection. Regional Mourning & Security: Iran kicked off week-long state funeral ceremonies for Khamenei amid heavy security, with Iranian officials including Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visibly emotional during the farewell. Aviation Connectivity: Aeroflot and Belarus’ Belavia launched a single-ticket interline service routing passengers to Turkmenbashi via Minsk, offering through check-in and baggage-inclusive fares for Turkmenistan-bound travelers. Education Spotlight: Three Turkmen universities were ranked in THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, reflecting progress across multiple UN SDGs. Cultural Exchange: Ashgabat hosted a photo exhibition on Chinese modernization and a seminar marking the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, featuring Chinese and Turkmen officials and UNESCO-linked remarks. International Mobility: Georgia detained 50 foreign nationals, including Turkmen citizens, during nationwide immigration enforcement actions, with deportation procedures underway.

Iran Funeral Diplomacy: Tehran has begun a week of mass mourning for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with senior Iranian officials and foreign delegations arriving for the opening ceremonies at the Grand Mosalla; Turkmenistan’s chairman of the People’s Council Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow is reported among regional leaders attending, as Iran stages the events as a major diplomatic show of unity. Turkmen-Japanese Talks: In Ashgabat, Turkmen and Japanese diplomats held political consultations at the MFA, stressing trust-based dialogue, Central Asia + Japan cooperation, and coordination in the UN framework. Education Spotlight: Three Turkmen universities were included in the global THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, reflecting improved performance across multiple UN SDGs. Labor Cooperation: Turkmenistan’s foreign minister met the ILO’s International Labour Standards director to discuss the 2026 roadmap, labor legislation, and plans for deeper practical cooperation, including an ILO office. Culture & Youth: A Turkmenistan exhibition on “Child – the connection between generations” opened at a state museum, showcasing traditional children’s clothing and historical items. Sports: Turkmen youth chess players won multiple medals at the Central and Northern Asia Youth Championship in Kyrgyzstan.

Iran Funeral Diplomacy: Iran began a multi-day, multi-city state farewell for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with coffins displayed in Tehran and ceremonies set to run through Qom, Najaf, Karbala and burial in Mashhad, drawing delegations from dozens of countries including Turkmenistan and others, while Supreme Leader successor Mojtaba Khamenei remains absent amid security-driven speculation. Turkmenistan-ILO Cooperation: In Ashgabat, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met ILO International Labour Standards Department director Corinne Vargha to discuss a 2026 roadmap, labor-law upgrades, social partnership, and plans for an ILO office in Turkmenistan. Central Asia Fuel Pressure: Kyrgyzstan asked neighbors—including Turkmenistan—for help securing fuel as Russia’s gasoline crunch spreads, with officials warning that imported supply dependence leaves the market vulnerable. Water Infrastructure in Turkmenistan: New water management facilities were commissioned in Ahal Velayat and Ashgabat, as authorities push modernization to secure regular water supply for agriculture and daily life. Agriculture Finance: Dayhanbank outlined state-backed credit and procurement pricing support for tenant farmers, aimed at boosting wheat output and stabilizing settlements.

Regional Energy Ties: Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan signed a landmark Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighborliness and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century, with both sides pledging deeper cooperation on trade, transport, logistics, energy and multilateral coordination. Diplomacy & Humanitarian Links: Turkmenistan also received Kenya’s new ambassador, John Maina Mwangi, as parliament speaker Dunyagozel Gulmanova highlighted Ashgabat’s interest in expanding cooperation with African partners. Water & Infrastructure: New water management facilities were commissioned in Ahal Velayat and Ashgabat, as the government pushes modernization to improve water supply and support agriculture. International Spotlight for Turkmen Horses: Turkmenistan briefed preparations for the World Equestrian Championships and the International Akhal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest in the Netherlands (Sept 4–6), aiming to boost the breed’s global prestige. Labor Standards: Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met ILO’s Corinne Vargha to discuss a 2026 cooperation roadmap and further alignment with international labor standards. UN Presence: The UN appointed Xiaojun Grace Wang as Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, taking up the post on July 1.

Central Asia Diplomacy: Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan kept up high-level momentum in Ashgabat: Foreign Ministers Rashid Meredov and Yermek Kosherbayev reviewed bilateral cooperation and signed a new Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighborliness and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century, alongside a 2027–2028 foreign-ministry cooperation program. New UN Leadership in Turkmenistan: The UN appointed Xiaojun Grace Wang as the new UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, taking office on 1 July, as Dmitry Shlapachenko completed his previous mission in the country. Kenya–Turkmenistan Ties: Turkmenistan’s parliament speaker accepted the credentials of Kenya’s new ambassador, John Maina Mwangi, as both sides pledged to expand cooperation via the UN and focus on energy, agriculture, transport, and textiles. Culture & International Sport: Ashgabat briefed diplomats and media on a major equestrian event in the Netherlands: the World Equestrian Championships and Akhal-Teke beauty contest will run 4–6 September 2026 in Kronenberg, with Turkmenistan aiming to showcase its horse-breeding heritage in Europe. Humanitarian/Health: WHO warned that earthquake-ready health systems are urgently needed across Central Asia, including Turkmenistan, as seismic risk could have cross-border consequences.

Turkmen-Kazakh diplomacy: Foreign ministers Rashid Meredov and Yermek Kosherbayev met in Ashgabat, reviewing trade, transport, energy and cultural ties and preparing major high-level events later this year; they also signed a 2027–2028 foreign-ministry cooperation program. Regional integration: Turkmenistan formally handed Kazakhstan the original signed copy of the Central Asia “Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation” treaty, after Ashgabat’s ratification. Iraq-Türkiye security links: Türkiye’s intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın held talks in Baghdad on security and intelligence cooperation with Iraqi leaders, then visited Kirkuk and met Turkmen Front officials. Digital crackdown: Turkmenistan reportedly fined citizens for social media activity, with courts hearing cases over likes/comments on blocked platforms. Human rights at UN level: UN and Turkmen officials discussed how to monitor implementation of Turkmenistan’s Universal Periodic Review commitments. Culture & tourism: Avaza’s summer season is in full swing, while Turkmenistan also sent a delegation to Paris for the World Congress against the Death Penalty.

UN Human Rights Monitoring: Turkmenistan and UN partners met to set practical methods for tracking Universal Periodic Review commitments, including a new UPR indicator in the 2026–2030 UN cooperation framework. Diplomacy & Security: Turkmenistan’s Deputy National Security Minister joined a UN counter-terrorism conference, stressing prevention, early warning, border security, and community resilience. Foreign Policy Contacts: Kazakhstan’s FM visited Ashgabat for talks on trade, investment, culture, and regional issues, while Turkmenistan also held meetings with OHCHR and the UN Resident Coordinator as his mission ends. Energy & Connectivity (regional): Reports highlighted BTC pipeline operatorship shifting from bp to SOCAR Midstream from 1 July, and growing Central Asia rail links tied to China’s overland trade push. Agriculture & Tourism: Turkmenistan reported cotton field work in Mary velayat and ongoing summer tourism at Avaza, alongside a presidential resolution targeting a “rich wheat harvest” in 2027.

Turkmenistan–China Education Ties: Three Turkmen universities signed new framework cooperation agreements with Chinese language-education bodies and Xinjiang Normal University during a June visit to Urumqi, aiming to deepen industry-linked education and Chinese-language teaching. Human Rights Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s MFA met the UN Resident Coordinator to discuss UN cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals, while another MFA meeting focused on OHCHR work and the Universal Periodic Review. Digital Expansion: Turkmentelecom says 5G is already being used in Arkadag for education, healthcare, city management and industrial data exchange. Foreign Partners at the Top Level: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held meetings with leaders from Rönesans Holding, Çalik Holding, Daewoo Engineering, Toyo Engineering and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, with talks centered on industrial and construction cooperation and new impetus for bilateral projects. Regional Environment Watch: Azerbaijan floated a regional framework to monitor the rapidly shrinking Caspian Sea, highlighting risks for ports, shipping and offshore infrastructure that also affect Turkmenistan. Culture and Heritage: Turkmen performers won recognition at UNESCO/ICESCO-backed Maqom Art Forum in Uzbekistan, and Culture Week staged the play “Love of Oguz.” Energy/Trade Context: Reports note China’s cross-border rail buildout reaching Turkmenistan, while broader Central Asia coverage points to shifting trade routes and growing US commercial engagement.

Diplomacy & Regional Ties: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries VP Kenji Sanada, discussing new cooperation in Turkmenistan’s industrial and energy projects. Energy & Industry: Eni and Libya’s NOC began hydrocarbon production from the Sabratha Compression Project, while Abu Dhabi’s XRG and Eni signed deals to buy 32% stakes in three Argentina upstream blocks feeding the planned 12 mtpa Argentina LNG. Trade & Connectivity: A new 5,420 km rail service launched linking western China with Turkmenistan, aiming to move containerized goods to Balkan Velayat in about two weeks. Public Health & Youth: UNODC launched a “Prevention Starts with Me” youth awareness week in Ashgabat for World Drug Day, running June 25–July 2. Culture & Sports: Culture Week in Balkan velayat wrapped up, with Culture Week 2027 set for Dashoguz; and the first Central and Northern Asia chess championship for boys and girls begins June 30 in Issyk-Kul. Governance & Society: A reported rat infestation at a presidential residence near Ashgabat triggered an extermination operation; tests reportedly found no dangerous infections.

Digital Transformation: An international seminar on digital transformation opened in Ashgabat, bringing GSMA Eurasia and ITU experts to discuss faster telecom services, AI automation for communications, and how regulators can speed up new government offerings. Diplomatic Ties: On Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s 69th birthday, Kazakhstan’s Tokayev and Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev held phone calls with the Turkmen National Leader, praising his role in strengthening bilateral strategic partnerships. Regional Connectivity: A new 5,420 km China–Turkmenistan rail service has launched, aiming to move goods overland faster and reduce reliance on shipping routes. Transport & Logistics: Air Belgium plans to begin cargo flights via Ashgabat in early August, as Turkmen officials push to expand the country’s air logistics role between Asia and Europe. Trade & Industry: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions totaled over $58.6 million, with foreign buyers purchasing liquefied gas and ECO-93 gasoline. Energy Deals: XRG and Eni signed agreements with Argentina’s YPF to buy stakes in upstream blocks feeding a major Argentina LNG project. Public Health: Reports say rats were found at a presidential residence near Ashgabat, prompting an overnight extermination operation and lab testing of carcasses. Culture & Sport: Culture Week in Balkan velayat wrapped up, and Turkmenistan’s Football Cup 2026 quarter-finals set semi-finalists.

Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan Diplomacy: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called Chairman of Turkmenistan’s Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to congratulate him on his birthday, praising his role in strengthening the strategic partnership and discussing the bilateral agenda. Port & Trade Connectivity: Construction of a new berth at Georgia’s Poti New Sea Port began after a U.S. $25 million loan, with the project framed as support for the Middle Corridor linking China–Central Asia to Europe. Customs Modernization: Turkmenistan’s customs chief met the WCO secretary general in Brussels, highlighting upgrades to checkpoints and customs administration, plus training at Turkmenistan’s WCO Regional Training Center. Air Cargo Plans: Turkmenistan is preparing for Air Belgium cargo flights via Ashgabat International Airport in early August, with talks focused on technical readiness and logistics support. Energy & Commerce: SCRMET auctions totaled over $58.6 million, with foreign buyers purchasing liquefied gas and ECO-93 gasoline, while domestic sales included raw fabric. Culture & Society: Ashgabat hosted a Culture Week opera staging of “Leyli and Mejnun” for the 80th anniversary of the work’s creation. Agriculture: Mary velayat’s Turkmengala etrap reported ongoing wheat harvesting and flour/pasta production operations running in shifts. International Finance: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov discussed a new cooperation package with the EBRD covering energy, transport, environment, and banking.

Air Cargo Expansion: Belgian carrier Air Belgium plans to launch cargo flights via Ashgabat International Airport in early August, after talks between Turkmenistan’s ambassador in Brussels and the airline’s CEO on airport logistics, refueling, and technical support. Diplomatic Engagement: A Turkmen delegation led by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Myahri Byashimova took part in Croatia’s Dubrovnik Forum on “The Age of Multipolarity,” highlighting Turkmenistan’s neutrality and peace-focused foreign policy. China-Education Ties: China’s embassy in Turkmenistan held the first “Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship” awards for 2026, supporting Turkmen students studying Chinese language. Digital Economy: Turkmenistan is pushing AI and digital tools across oil and gas, including smart fields/wells and refinery automation. Agriculture Update: Wheat harvesting continues in Lebap, with tenant farmers reporting strong yields and daily replenishment of grain reserves. Regional Shock: A 6.2 earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush, with tremors felt across Pakistan, northern India, and as far as Turkmenistan, with no immediate major damage reported.

Air Cargo Expansion: Air Belgium is preparing to launch cargo flights via Ashgabat International Airport as early as August 2026, with Turkmen and Belgian officials agreeing on the technical framework and discussing an inaugural ceremony. Diplomatic Positioning: A Turkmen delegation led by Deputy FM Mahri Byashimova took part in Croatia’s Dubrovnik Forum on “The Age of Multipolarity,” stressing Turkmenistan’s neutrality and its approach to peace and dialogue. Education Ties with China: Ashgabat hosted the first “Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship” awards for 2026, backing Turkmen students learning Chinese, with dozens of agreements cited across education cooperation. Digital Push in Energy: Turkmenistan is accelerating digital transformation in oil and gas, rolling out AI and automation across exploration, refining, and logistics. Regional Connectivity: Rail freight between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan jumped sharply in early 2026, reflecting momentum on the North–South corridor. Humanitarian-leaning Culture: Culture Week 2027 was approved for Dashoguz velayat, timed to the Day of cultural and art workers and Magtymguly Fragi’s poetry. Sports Spotlight: Turkmen grandmaster Meylis Annaberdiyev won the Rigó János tournament in Hungary, scoring 6/9 and boosting his FIDE rating.

Turkmenistan–EBRD Partnership: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov discussed expanding cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, with a new package of documents covering energy, transport and logistics, environmental protection, and finance ahead of an EBRD visit next month. Digital Economy in Energy: Turkmenistan is pushing AI and digital tools across oil and gas, including refinery automation, real-time monitoring, and “smart fields” and “smart wells” concepts. Agro-Science Upgrade: The S.A. Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural Institute will launch an electronic journal, “Agroinnovation in Turkmenistan,” in Turkmen, English, and Russian, to share research and practical advances in the agro-industrial sector. Culture Week 2027: A presidential resolution sets Culture Week 2027 in Dashoguz velayat, timed with the Day of cultural and art workers and Magtymguly Fragi’s poetry. Education Access: For the first time, a Turkmen state textbook, “Fundamentals of informatics,” is being published for first-graders in schools for blind and visually impaired children, using adapted tactile and high-contrast materials. Regional Earthquake Shock: A 6.2 quake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush, with tremors felt across Pakistan, northern India, and also reported in Turkmenistan; no immediate casualties or major damage were reported.

Digital Energy Push: Turkmenistan is rolling out AI and digital tools across oil and gas, from “smart fields” and “smart wells” to refinery automation and predictive maintenance, supported by cybersecurity and e-document rules. Middle Corridor Momentum: Rail freight between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan jumped 31% in Q1 2026 and is up as much as 46% in the first five months, reflecting corridor upgrades and tariff incentives. TAPI Progress: Pipeline works toward Herat are accelerating, with officials citing over 90 km laid and 125 km prepared, aiming to deliver TAPI gas to Herat’s industrial park within six months. EU Rights Pressure: The EU’s 18th human rights dialogue in Ashgabat pressed for stronger anti-discrimination action and tougher measures on sexual and gender-based violence amid concerns over media and civil society restrictions. Education Access: For the first time, Turkmenistan published a first-grade informatics textbook for children with visual impairments, using large print, tactile elements, and adapted illustrations. Culture & Community: Ashgabat is set to host an eco-festival on July 4 with recycling and STEM activities, while Turkmen cultural events abroad continue to spotlight Magtymguly Fragi.