AGP Executive Report

OSCE in Ashgabat: OSCE Centre head William Leaf gave an interview on how the organization links hard security, economic and environmental work, and the human dimension in Turkmenistan. Transport resilience: An OSCE seminar in Ashgabat focused on building secure, disaster- and climate-resilient transport infrastructure to boost regional connectivity. Energy update: Turkmenistan recorded a new commercial natural gas inflow at the Chemmerli field in the Central Karakum, with output reported after appraisal and production well testing. Customs cooperation: Turkmen and Azerbaijani customs officials met to exchange experience on applying preferential treatment during clearance, including faster electronic data exchange; they also tested Caspian transit using eTIR. Biodiversity finance: UNDP workshops in Ashgabat reviewed early findings on biodiversity expenditure and policy steps to mobilize more funding for conservation. Demography strategy: UNFPA led a workshop on drafting Turkmenistan’s national strategy for demographic resilience, bringing together multiple ministries and agencies. Culture and youth: Hero-Arkadag met the Galkynyş equestrian games group ahead of international events, while Awaza prepared for the “Tatar Kyzy” contest finale. Regional diplomacy: Turkmen-Chinese dialogue in Beijing discussed preparations for the upcoming People’s Council session.

Regional Diplomacy: Presidents of Central Asia and Azerbaijan are set to meet in Cholpon-Ata (30 July–1 August), with trade, energy, transport corridors, tourism, culture and security on the agenda. Turkmen-Iran Trade & Border: Ashgabat has upgraded the Sarahs Autoyollary customs post on the Iran border, adding renovated facilities and digital monitoring to speed processing, alongside talks with Iran’s roads and urban development minister on transport, energy and infrastructure projects. UN Demography Planning: A UNFPA workshop in Ashgabat (27–29 July) reviewed a draft National Strategy for Demographic Resilience, bringing together ministries and agencies to shape priorities and implementation mechanisms. Biodiversity Financing: UNDP presented early findings in Ashgabat on Turkmenistan’s biodiversity finance plans under a GEF-funded project, using BIOFIN methods to map funding gaps and next steps. EBRD Partnership: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met EBRD chief Odile Renaud-Basso, highlighting cooperation in energy, transport, the digital economy and environmental protection. Environment Cooperation: CAREC’s Turkmenistan office and a Central Asian environmental institute signed an MoU to expand work on environmental protection, sustainable resource management and education. Sports & Culture: Turkmenistan is preparing to send a delegation to the Netherlands for the World Akhal-Teke Championship (4–6 September), and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met the “Galkynyş” equestrian group ahead of the event. Education: University entrance exams began across Turkmenistan as the 2026 admission campaign moves forward.

EBRD Partnership Push: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met EBRD head Odile Renaud-Basso, signaling deeper cooperation on energy, transport, the digital economy and environmental projects, with a focus on multimodal corridors North-South and East-West and green energy and water management. Transport Corridor Updates: Turkmenistan and the EBRD also reiterated readiness to expand work on the «North-South» and «East-West» transport corridor projects, while customs modernization at the Sarahs Awtoyollary checkpoint on the Iran border boosts capacity on key road and rail links. Regional Rail and Logistics: Turkmen Deputy Railway Transport Minister Sylap Nurberdiyev met a Tajik Railways delegation to review freight growth, tariff policy and logistics links as bilateral trade and business ties gain momentum. Investment Calendar: Ashgabat will host the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026) on Oct. 1–2, with sessions spanning transport corridors, digital economy, green projects, agro-industry, tourism and water resources. Education Drive: University entrance examinations began across Turkmenistan’s admission campaign, with more than 18,000 students planned for 2026. Migration Talks with Türkiye: Turkmen and Turkish officials held consultations on strengthening the legal framework for migration cooperation. Caspian Tensions: Turkmenistan condemned attacks on ships in the Caspian Sea, calling the waterway a “sea of peace” amid escalating Ukraine-Iran-related incidents.

Caspian Security: Turkmenistan again condemned attacks on ships in the Caspian after Ukraine-Iran strikes raised fears of a wider spillover into regional trade routes, with Ashgabat calling the sea a “sea of peace” and “inadmissible” any violence there. Exchange-Rate Pressure: Critics say Turkmenistan’s official dollar rate (3.50) versus the black-market level (around 19.5–20) deepens inequality, arguing the “artificial stability” policy effectively “robs” ordinary people and complicates foreign trade. EBRD Talks: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met EBRD head Odile Renaud-Basso, signaling interest in expanding cooperation on energy, transport, the digital economy and environmental projects, while confirming a new push for reforms and investment. Turkmen-Turkish Diplomacy: Foreign ministries held political consultations in Ankara, reviewing consular issues, inter-parliamentary cooperation and legal frameworks, with both sides stressing high-level visits as a key driver. Middle Corridor Logistics: Turkmenistan’s border customs modernization continues, including the upgraded “Sarahs Awtoyollary” checkpoint on the Turkmen-Iran route, reinforcing links across major corridors. Digital Trade: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan began using eTIR for paperless transit, completing the first fully digital shipment across the Caspian. Local Governance: Turkey detained İstanbul’s first female mayor of Üsküdar in a corruption probe, underscoring ongoing municipal crackdowns in the region.

Caspian diplomacy and neutrality: Turkmenistan again condemned an attack on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea, calling such actions “unacceptable” and stressing the Caspian as a “sea of peace,” as Ukraine-Iran tensions spill into the region’s trade routes. Regional connectivity and trade tech: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have begun using the eTIR digital transit system, completing the first fully paperless operation across the Middle Corridor via Turkmenbashi and onward to Uzbekistan. Finance and infrastructure partnership: In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan and the EBRD signed a package of strategic memorandums, with priorities including green energy, SME support, and further development of the Trans-Caspian transport route. New diplomatic links: Turkmenistan held its first political consultations with New Zealand via videoconference, discussing cooperation on sustainable transport, energy, and environmental security. Education update: Turkmen agricultural university lecturers published a new textbook, “Statistics in Land Management,” for specialized higher education institutions. Logistics push: Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation was directed to expand Sost Dry Port and build the Khunjerab border terminal as a regional export hub—highlighting Turkmenistan’s role in cross-border transit.

Caspian Security: Turkmenistan condemned reports of an attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, calling any such military action “unacceptable” and reiterating that the Caspian should remain a “sea of peace” under Turkmenistan’s UN-recognized neutrality. Diplomatic Outreach: In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan met Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd to discuss expanding bilateral political, trade, economic and transport cooperation, with both sides also highlighting UN multilateral work. Middle Corridor Trade Tech: eTIR operations have been launched across the Caspian Sea between Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, aiming to speed and secure Middle Corridor transit, including a pilot shipment using fully digital procedures. UN Multilateral Agenda: The UN General Assembly adopted Turkmenistan’s “Year of International Law, 2028” resolution, and Ashgabat says its 81st UNGA priorities will build on that push for new international legal platforms. Business & Construction: The Turkmen-Uzbek Business Forum in Ashgabat focused on industrial and construction cooperation, including joint projects and modern building-material production. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO inscribed Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Rock Mosques on the World Heritage List, underscoring Caspian-region cultural ties.

Caspian Sea Security: Turkmenistan’s foreign ministry condemned reported attacks on Iranian commercial vessels in the Caspian Sea as “unacceptable,” reiterating that the waterway must remain a “sea of peace” under Turkmenistan’s UN-recognized permanent neutrality. Diplomatic Coordination: Ashgabat also hosted talks of the Turkmen-Iranian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, with both sides reviewing trade and economic prospects and stressing good-neighbourliness. Trade Facilitation: eTIR pilot services have begun across the Caspian between Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, using fully digital TIR procedures to speed and secure Middle Corridor shipments. Business Links: Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan held a business forum in Ashgabat focused on industrial cooperation, including construction materials and joint ventures. Education & Youth: School supply retail sales are set to start nationwide on 1 August, while Turkmen students are taking part in an international energy-themed summer camp in Malaysia. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO inscribed Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Rock Mosques on the World Heritage List, highlighting the wider Caspian-region cultural spotlight.

Caspian Security: Turkmenistan’s foreign ministry condemned reports of an attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, calling any military action “unacceptable” and reiterating that the Caspian should remain a “sea of peace” under UN-recognized neutrality. Regional Business: Ashgabat hosted a Turkmen-Uzbek business forum focused on construction and industrial cooperation, including new joint ventures and reciprocal deliveries. UN Diplomacy: Turkmenistan outlined priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly, including proposals for an International trade logistics center, an International code for peaceful AI use, and initiatives tied to universal peace and preventive diplomacy. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO added Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Rock Mosques to the World Heritage List, with the committee also inscribing Tashkent Modernist Architecture—highlighting Central Asia’s growing heritage footprint. Economy & Trade: The SCRMET auctions totaled over $2.746 million, with foreign-currency sales of cotton yarn, raw silk and cottonseed oil soapstock. Sports: Turkmen tennis players continued Davis Cup action in Asia/Oceania Group IV.

UN Diplomacy Push: Turkmenistan is laying out a packed agenda for the 81st UN General Assembly, including a bid to proclaim 2028 the “Year of International Law,” plus plans for a UN-backed International centre for sustainable trade logistics and customs cooperation, and a transregional transport corridor linking South/Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian. Peace & Preventive Diplomacy: Ashgabat will also promote consultations on a Strategy for Universal Peace, propose 2027–2037 as a UN Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy, and continue work toward a University/Academic Center for Peace, Neutrality, and Preventive Diplomacy. Climate Platform: The government says it will propose creating the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue to support climate initiatives and regional resilience. Education Supply Drive: In domestic news, the Cabinet approved retail sales of school supplies starting 1 August across velayats, etraps, and in Ashgabat and Arkadag, with mobile outlets planned based on demand. Transport Upgrades: Turkmenistan also approved modern railway station buildings in Akhal, Balkan, and Mary.

Culture & Youth: The Balkan velayat wrapped up the regional round of the TV contest “Ýaňlan, Diýarym!” under the President’s “Türkmeniň Altyn asyry” prize, spotlighting young performers in a celebration at Balkanabat. Education Retail Prep: The Cabinet approved retail sales of school supplies starting 1 August across velayats, etraps, and in Ashgabat and Arkadag, with mobile outlets planned after demand checks. UN Diplomacy: Ashgabat is laying out major priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly, including an UN-backed international code for the peaceful use of AI, consultations on “Sustainable energy for all,” and proposals tied to universal peace and preventive diplomacy. Trade & Logistics: Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan launched real-time eTIR data exchange for freight crossing the Caspian, aiming to cut paperwork and speed customs clearance on routes linking Europe and Central Asia. Regional Connectivity Talks: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed an “Industrial-technological belt,” a border transport-logistics center, and a proposed Supreme council to deepen cooperation.

UN Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s Cabinet says Ashgabat will push at the 81st UN General Assembly for an International centre for sustainable trade logistics and a UN-backed transregional transport corridor linking South/Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian. AI Governance: The same UN agenda includes consultations in Ashgabat on a proposed International code for the peaceful use of artificial intelligence in international relations and diplomacy. Climate Platforms: Turkmenistan plans to propose the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue and initiatives to boost climate resilience for drought- and water-scarcity regions. Human Rights & Law: The MFA hosted talks on implementing international human rights and humanitarian law, including work on a draft national human rights action plan for 2026–2030, while the UN adopted Turkmenistan’s resolution declaring 2028 the Year of International Law. Turkmen-Uzbek Cooperation: A phone call between leaders backed an «Industrial-technological belt», a border transport-and-logistics centre, and a proposed Supreme council. Transport & Trade: My Freighter will add daily cargo flights from Liège in August, and Turkmenistan approved modern railway station buildings in Akhal, Balkan and Mary. Sports: Turkmen tennis teams played Davis Cup Group IV in Sri Lanka, with NMI beating Turkmenistan 2–1 to keep its spot. Education Retail: School supply retail sales are set to begin nationwide on 1 August, with mobile outlets planned based on demand.

Rail Modernization: Turkmenistan approved plans to build modern railway station buildings in Akhal, Balkan and Mary, aiming to boost rail efficiency and improve working conditions as part of wider transport upgrades. Diplomacy & Migration: Ashgabat discussed with the EU visa policy and migration cooperation, including direct contacts between Turkmenistan’s migration service and EU bodies to speed up consular and documentation matters. Regional Ties: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a birthday phone call, with both sides stressing expanding cooperation based on friendship and trust. Education Links: Turkmenistan and Türkiye explored deeper education and aviation training cooperation, including joint programs and exchanges. Transport Investment: An EDB report ranks Turkmenistan’s corridor projects among Central Asia’s top transport initiatives by investment volume, highlighting major highway and rail spending. International Culture: Turkmenistan’s “Mukam” Violin Ensemble represented the country at an international youth orchestra event in Beijing, competing and performing classical works. Markets & Security Context: Separate coverage notes Ukraine’s long-range strikes in the Caspian and broader sanctions enforcement concerns, underscoring how regional logistics and energy routes remain politically sensitive.

EU-Turkmenistan Migration Talks: Turkmenistan’s ambassador met the European Commission’s DG HOME on visa policy and migration cooperation, including direct working contacts and better consular protection for Turkmen citizens abroad. Diplomatic Credentials: Turkmenistan’s ambassador to the Maldives presented credentials in Malé, with both sides pledging to expand cooperation across political, trade, cultural and humanitarian areas. UN Security Council: Turkmenistan’s UN envoy urged responsible, equitable management of natural resources and highlighted the country’s peace and connectivity initiatives, noting they are reflected in dozens of UN resolutions. Turkmen-Uzbek Phone Call: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev exchanged birthday greetings, with both sides stressing expanding bilateral cooperation based on friendship and trust. Transport & Infrastructure: An EDB report ranks Turkmenistan’s transport projects among Central Asia’s top Eurasian Transport Network developments, citing major highway and port/airport progress and billions in planned corridor investment. Water Tech Cooperation: A Turkmen delegation visited South Korea to study digital water management and smart water treatment, discussing future technical partnerships. Education Data Push: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education ministry trained officials to use MICS-EAGLE analysis for evidence-based education planning.

Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan Diplomacy: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a phone call, with birthday greetings and a focus on deepening bilateral cooperation. Transport & Trade Corridors: A new Eurasian Development Bank report ranks Turkmenistan’s Ashgabat–Turkmenbashi and Serakhs–Mary–Serhetabat projects among Central Asia’s top transport initiatives by investment, as the country expands highways, rail links, and border infrastructure. Digital Education Planning: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s Education Ministry ran a workshop to strengthen use of MICS data for evidence-based education policy, including equity and out-of-school children. One Health Coordination: WHO supported a national meeting in Ashgabat to advance the One Health approach for pandemic prevention and multisector preparedness. UN Security Council Bid: Turkmenistan announced its candidacy for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2031–2032, citing its neutrality and multilateral diplomacy. Sovereign Finance Watch: Fitch affirmed Turkmenistan’s BB- rating with a stable outlook, pointing to strong external reserves and gas-sector expansion. Energy Industry Contract: Chinese NEW JCM won a major Turkmengaz order to service eight DG-90L2 gas turbines, supporting reliability of gas pipeline pressure. Environment & Heritage: The Darvaza “Gates of Hell” crater is reportedly going out after decades, with methane capture and a sharp drop in heat.

Turkmenistan–UN Diplomacy: Turkmenistan has put forward its candidacy for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2031–2032, framing it around neutrality, preventive diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation. Education Data & Health Coordination: UNICEF helped Turkmenistan train officials to use MICS data for evidence-based education planning, while a separate national meeting advanced the One Health approach, coordinating ministries and UN partners on prevention and preparedness. Economy & Finance: Fitch affirmed Turkmenistan’s BB- rating with a stable outlook, citing strong external buffers, reserves coverage, and steady gas-sector support. Energy & Industry Links: Chinese firm NEW JCM won a major Turkmengaz contract to service eight gas turbines, and Turkmenistan’s scientists reported work across 586 research topics, from pharmaceuticals to seismology. International Ties & Mobility: The U.S. named Kristin Hawkins as chargé d’affaires ad interim in Ashgabat, and Turkmen students continue a year-long internship in Japan. Culture & Sports: Turkmen schoolchildren won medals at the IMO in Shanghai, while tennis players begin Davis Cup zonal action in Sri Lanka.

UN Diplomacy: Turkmenistan has announced its candidacy for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2031–2032, framing it around permanent neutrality and preventive diplomacy. WMD Non-Proliferation: An OSCE workshop in Ashgabat focused on implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1540 and updating Turkmenistan’s national Action Plan. U.S.-Turkmen Ties: The new U.S. chargé d’affaires ad interim, Kristin Hawkins, met Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov to discuss political, trade-economic, and cultural cooperation. Energy & Industry: Chinese firm NEW JCM won a major contract to service eight DG-90L2 gas turbines at Turkmengaz compressor stations in Dashoguz. Science & Education: Turkmen scientists are working on 586 state-backed research topics, while Turkmen school teams won medals at the IMO in Shanghai. Regional Water Cooperation: The World Bank approved a $20 million grant to support transboundary water cooperation in Central Asia, naming Turkmenistan among participating states. Sports: Turkmenistan’s Davis Cup team begins Group IV qualifying in Colombo, starting with a match against Kuwait.