AGP Executive Report

Korea–Turkmenistan Deal Push: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Seoul and agreed to sharply expand cooperation in energy, transport and logistics, signing 13 agreements and MOUs, including an investment protection accord—while Lee thanked Ashgabat for helping evacuate about 30 Koreans from Iran via a dedicated immigration checkpoint. Summit Momentum: Lee also said Turkmenistan is set to become a gateway for trade and exchange, and both leaders highlighted peaceful diplomacy, with Berdimuhamedov backing Seoul’s approach to dialogue on the Korean Peninsula. Regional Diplomacy: Ahead of the first Korea–Central Asia leaders summit on Sept. 16, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun called for deeper ties in critical resources, supply chains and AI. CIS Chairmanship Prep: Turkmenistan’s CIS chairmanship events are entering their final stage for early October in Avaza, with Ashgabat described as a key CIS economic and logistical partner. Trade Numbers: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET recorded 18 transactions last week totaling over $531,000, including foreign-currency purchases of wheat flour and liquorice extract. Sports & Weather: Ahal beat Nebitchi 3-0 and Altyn Asyr edged Shagadam 2-0 in the Premier League; sunny, hot conditions with brief showers are forecast nationwide.

Korea–Central Asia Summit Prep: South Korea kicked off a diplomacy run-up to its first heads-of-state summit with all five Central Asian countries in Seoul on Sept. 16, starting with talks between President Lee Jae-myung and Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with both sides pointing to expanded cooperation on critical mineral supply chains, AI, digital transformation, energy and defense. Industry Ministers’ Meeting: Seoul also hosted the first C5+1 industry ministers’ gathering, where Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan agreed to deepen supply-chain ties, expand Korean participation in smart infrastructure and industrial complexes, and push factory digitalization plus exchanges for young experts. Turkmenistan–UN Water Talks: In Avaza, Turkmenistan hosted a consultative meeting on setting up an implementation mechanism for the UN Special Program for the Aral Sea Basin (UN SPAS), with regional ministries and UN partners discussing the program’s format, legal framework and financing. OTS Religious Cooperation: In Baku, Muslim religious leaders of the Organisation of Turkic States adopted a declaration calling for joint action against terrorism, extremism and xenophobia, and for cooperation on religious education and shared approaches to Ramadan and Eid dates. Sports & Daily Life: Turkmenistan’s Premier League continued with Arkadag maintaining the lead after the 20th round, while forecasts point to hot, mostly sunny weather nationwide with occasional brief showers.

Korea-Central Asia Summit Prep: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung kicked off a relay of bilateral summits with Central Asian leaders ahead of the inaugural Korea–Central Asia Summit in Seoul on Sept. 16, starting with Uzbekistan, with talks aimed at expanding cooperation on transport, healthcare, climate response, critical minerals supply chains, AI and digital transformation, and defense. Supply-Chain Push: In Seoul, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan joined South Korea in a ministerial industrial meeting to strengthen supply-chain cooperation, including smart infrastructure and modernization of factories, and to link Central Asia’s mineral resources with Korean processing technology. Turkmenistan–Korea State Visit: In Ashgabat, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov reviewed preparations for his state visit to South Korea and participation in the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit, with plans to sign a broad package of agreements covering economics, investment, transport and logistics, chemicals, infrastructure, environment, water, science and education. Desertification Cooperation: Ashgabat and Beijing expanded scientific and technical cooperation on combating desertification, with Turkmen specialists training in China and discussing a proposed regional center for Central Asia. Akhal-Teke Spotlight: An international conference in Arkadag highlighted Akhal-Teke horses as Turkmen cultural heritage and a symbol of peace and cooperation, featuring a new poem dedicated to the breed. CIS Economic Council in Ashgabat: Turkmenistan hosted the 111th CIS Economic Council meeting, with officials stressing the CIS’s role in Europe–Asia logistics and the Caspian region’s transit potential. Digital Customs: A WCO seminar in Ashgabat wrapped up discussions on AI and digital tools for customs modernization, including data integration and risk management. Independence Celebrations Plan: The government approved a nationwide program for the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, including forums, exhibitions, award ceremonies, flag-raising events, a parade and an anniversary concert.

CIS Economic Council in Ashgabat: Turkmenistan hosted the 111th CIS Economic Council meeting, with Deputy PM Hojamyrat Geldimyradov chairing talks on transport security, high-tech cooperation, and practical economic programmes across member states. Digital Customs Push: A WCO-backed seminar in Ashgabat wrapped up discussions on “Smart Customs,” focusing on AI, data integration, and risk management as Turkmen officials showcased national digital systems. Independence Celebrations Plan: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved a nationwide September programme for the 35th independence anniversary, including forums, exhibitions, award ceremonies, flag-raising, a parade, and a major anniversary concert. Energy Forum Momentum: Registration is building for OGT 2026 in Ashgabat (Oct 21–23), with 400+ participants already signed up and exhibition space fully sold out. Sports—Turkmen Cup and Chess: “Arkadag” and “Ahal” advanced in the Turkmenistan Cup semi-finals after big first-leg wins, while Turkmenistan’s teams head to the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.

Customs Modernization: Turkmenistan’s State Customs Service sent delegations to Warsaw for an EU-led seminar on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, focusing on border control standards, a “Single Window,” digital eTIR, and risk management, with visits to Warsaw Customs for operational exchange. Smart Border Tech: In Ashgabat, a WCO regional seminar wrapped up on digital transformation in customs, including AI use for analysis and automation, and a tour of Turkmenistan’s Observation and Analysis Center. Water Diplomacy: Turkmenistan hosted Central Asian talks in Avaza on building a mechanism to implement the UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea Basin, with UNDP/GEF and regional partners discussing shared priorities and transboundary water cooperation. Energy & Trade Links: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Japan’s Minister of State for Economy, Trade and Industry Kenji Yamada, highlighting cooperation in energy, industry, transport, chemicals, digitalization, and circular economy. Regional Security: Taliban defense officials and Turkmen border commanders discussed strengthening coordination and security along their shared frontier amid cross-border threat concerns. Culture & Sports: Turkmen musicians took part in the Tsinandali classical music festival, while Turkmenistan’s chess team beat Eswatini 4-0 at the FIDE Paralympics Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.

Turkmen-Japan Ties: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Japan’s Minister of State for Economy, Trade and Industry Kenji Yamada, with both sides stressing expanded cooperation in energy, industry, transport, chemicals, and digitalization. Energy Diplomacy: Ashgabat is drawing growing international interest ahead of OGT 2026, with 400+ registered participants and a sold-out expo space for the Oct. 21–23 conference. Regional Water Talks: A second consultative meeting on implementing the UN Special Program for the Aral Sea Basin was held in Avaza, focusing on a shared regional vision and water-diplomacy coordination. CIS Cooperation: The CIS Economic Council meeting in Ashgabat approved steps on transport security and funding for a joint air-defense system planned for 2027. Border Security: Taliban defense officials met Turkmen border commanders to strengthen coordination and security along their shared frontier. Trade & Industry: Turkmen brands showcased products at Paris fashion fairs, while “Turkmen Expo” announced it will organize a national pavilion at FAST TEXTILE 2026 in Poland. Sports & Culture: Turkmen musicians represented the country at the Tsinandali classical music festival, and Turkmen designers debuted at the “Urban Nomad” ethno-fashion competition.

Korea-Central Asia Summit: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will host the first Korea-Central Asia summit in Seoul on Sept. 16, with leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, aiming to deepen cooperation on energy, critical minerals, supply chains and connectivity. CIS Economic Agenda in Ashgabat: Turkmenistan chaired the 111th CIS Economic Council meeting, approving programmes on transport security, digital transformation and practical steps to reduce trade barriers, while also discussing preparations for major CIS foreign ministers and heads-of-state events in Avaza in October. Water Diplomacy for the Aral Sea Basin: A two-day consultative meeting in Avaza launched work on a UN special programme for the Aral Sea Basin, focusing on shared water-resource management, ecosystem sustainability and regional coordination with UNDP support. Turkmen-Japan Talks: Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kenji Yamada, highlighting plans to expand trade and investment and bring in Japanese technologies for energy, industry, transport and digitalization. Border Security with the Taliban: Taliban defense officials and Turkmen border commanders discussed strengthening coordination and security along their shared frontier amid regional concerns over militant activity and cross-border threats. Fashion and Trade: Turkmen brands promoted their products at Paris’s Who’s Next fair, while “Turkmen Expo” announced it will organize a national pavilion at FAST TEXTILE 2026 in Poland. Culture and Sports: Eswatini will face Turkmenistan in the opening match of the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Samarkand, and Turkmen musicians took part in Georgia’s Tsinandali classical music festival.

Turkmen-Japan Talks: Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kenji Yamada, focusing on expanding trade and business ties and exploring cooperation in energy, industry, transport, chemicals, digitalization and the circular economy. CIS Security & Transport: In Ashgabat, CIS Economic Council decisions call for funding a joint air defense system starting in 2027 and approving a 2026–2030 action plan to strengthen transport security across member states. UN Cooperation: A meeting at Turkmenistan’s MFA between Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova and UN Resident Coordinator Xiaojun Grace Wang reviewed joint programmes and upcoming high-level events. Korea-Central Asia Summit: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung will host the first Korea-Central Asia Summit in Seoul on Sept. 16, with Turkmenistan among the five leaders, aiming to boost innovation, prosperity and connectivity. Trade Promotion: “Turkmen Expo” will organize Turkmenistan’s national pavilion at Poland’s FAST TEXTILE 2026 (Nov. 17–19), bringing local textile producers to foreign buyers and partners. Regional Finance Snapshot: Uzbekistan reported $101.2m in outstanding IMF loans (73.64m SDRs), while Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are not listed as having outstanding IMF obligations.

CIS Diplomacy: Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev in Ashgabat to coordinate preparations for major CIS meetings in Avaza on Oct. 7 and 9, including agenda planning and how to advance Turkmenistan’s 2026 CIS chair priorities. Parliamentary Agenda: The CIS Interparliamentary Assembly will hold events in Ashgabat on Nov. 19–20, with the 61st plenary session for the first time in Turkmenistan during its CIS chairmanship. Regional Trade & Transport: Ashgabat hosted a C5+1 Secretariat meeting with the U.S. and Central Asian states, focusing on expanding cooperation in critical minerals, trade and transport. Afghanistan Linkages: Afghanistan’s ACCI chairman met Turkmenistan’s ambassador in Kabul to discuss private-sector cooperation and transit corridors, with an invitation to join Turkmenistan’s October investment forum. Water-Efficient Farming: UNDP trained Turkmen irrigation specialists on FAO CROPWAT 8.0 to improve crop water planning under a GEF-backed Aral Sea basin project. Gender & Justice: UNFPA and Turkmenistan’s Supreme Court ran a two-day CEDAW seminar for law enforcement and judicial practice, emphasizing survivor-centered approaches and preventing discrimination. Digital Economy: UNDP delivered an online course on securities market legal regulation for officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Ashgabat Stock Exchange. Sports: Turkmen karateka Gurbannazar Amandurdyyev won silver at the Asian Karate Championships in Jordan. Culture & Youth: The final round of the children’s song competition “Garaşsyzlygyň merjen däneleri” took place in Ak bugday, with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressing the young finalists.

UNDP & Water-Efficient Farming: UNDP trained Turkmen irrigation engineers and agronomists on using FAO’s CROPWAT 8.0 to plan irrigation and calculate crop water needs under a GEF-backed Aral Sea Basin project. Women, Courts & CEDAW: UNFPA and Turkmenistan’s Supreme Court ran a two-day seminar on applying CEDAW standards in law enforcement and judicial practice, with focus on gender stereotypes, gender-based violence, and survivor-centered justice. Healthy Motherhood Meets Climate Resilience: UNFPA convened an Ashgabat roundtable to draft recommendations and an interdepartmental roadmap for protecting maternal and reproductive health under extreme heat and climate change. CIS Diplomacy in Ashgabat: Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev ahead of October CIS foreign ministers and heads-of-state meetings in Awaza. EU & France Credentials: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received new EU ambassador Luc Pierre Devigne and France ambassador Aléna Grand, discussing trade, energy, and transport links. C5+1 Secretariat: Ashgabat hosted a C5+1 multilateral cooperation meeting with the U.S., highlighting critical minerals, trade, and transport. Finance Market Capacity: UNDP delivered an online course to Turkmen officials on legal regulation and current issues of the securities market. Youth & Sports: Turkmen schoolchildren won medals at the Junior Mental Calculation World Championship in Germany, while the national youth boxing team took 10 medals at an international tournament in Spain. Culture & Independence: The final round of the children’s music competition “Garaşsyzlygyň merjen däneleri” wrapped in Ak bugday, with winners later set to receive laptops and diplomas.

C5+1 Diplomacy: Ashgabat hosted a C5+1 Secretariat meeting with the U.S. and Central Asian states, focusing on trade, transport, and critical minerals, and mapping next steps for upcoming events. EU-Turkmenistan Ties: EU Ambassador Luc Pierre Devigne presented credentials to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, with both sides pointing to cooperation in connectivity, energy, trade, and people-to-people links. France Engagement: The newly appointed French ambassador Aléna Grand also presented credentials, while Turkmenistan’s foreign minister met both the French ambassador and the EU ambassador to discuss expanding practical cooperation. Health Policy: Turkmenistan advanced plans to strengthen antimicrobial resistance surveillance, including work on a national epidemiological surveillance guideline, and held training on early detection of health risks at border crossing points for migrants and host communities. Landlocked Leadership: Turkmenistan was elected chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, prioritizing energy and transport connectivity. Regional Transport Context: Coverage also highlighted how the Middle Corridor is testing digital customs transit across the Caspian, with Turkmenbashi and Farap among key points. Culture & Sports: Theatre premieres continue in Ashgabat, while Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke horse breeding and international promotion remained a major theme.

Caspian Sea Slowdown: The Caspian is losing water fast again, with climate shifts and weaker river inflows cutting navigation capacity and shipping profits, raising calls for tighter regional cooperation. UN Diplomacy: Turkmenistan says it has been elected the next chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, with a two-year term starting Jan. 1, 2027, focused on energy and transport connectivity and advancing the Awaza Programme of Action. Regional Talks: Turkmenistan’s MFA reported a meeting between Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova and Uzbekistan’s ambassador, covering political, trade, cultural and humanitarian cooperation and upcoming joint events. Russia Links: A St. Petersburg vice-governor visited Ashgabat, holding memorial events for the siege of Leningrad and discussing business cooperation. Tajik Anniversary: Ashgabat hosted an official reception marking Tajikistan’s 35th independence anniversary, with both sides stressing the depth of bilateral ties. Health at Borders: IOM trained Turkmen officials on early detection of public health risks at border crossing points, focusing on inter-agency information sharing and continuity of services for migrants and host communities. Foreign Partners: Turkmenistan’s foreign minister met France’s new ambassador and the EU’s new ambassador, both times highlighting expanded cooperation through international organizations. CIS Meetings in Awaza: Turkmenistan signed a protocol to coordinate preparations for CIS foreign ministers’ talks on Oct. 7 and heads of state on Oct. 9 in the Awaza zone.

CIS Diplomacy in Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan is preparing to host the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers on October 7 in Turkmenbashi, with a protocol signed in Ashgabat to coordinate both the organizational and substantive agenda ahead of the country’s 2026 CIS chairmanship. Caspian Sea Pressure on Trade: As Caspian Sea levels fall, the Middle Corridor is taking a hit—ships are carrying less cargo and ports face costly dredging and possible berth extensions, raising the stakes for regional transport plans. Nomad Games Medal Haul: Turkmen athletes brought home 11 medals (2 gold, 3 silver, 6 bronze) at the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, underscoring the growing international pull of ethnosports. Gender Equality Policy Work: UNFPA and Turkmenistan held a seminar in Ashgabat on applying temporary special measures and national mechanisms to advance women, linked to CEDAW recommendations and a 2026–2030 action plan. Biodiversity Strategy Update: UNDP and partners supported Turkmenistan’s push to update its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, with reporting milestones for the CBD and related protocols on the agenda.

CIS Chairmanship Prep: Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry signed a protocol to coordinate preparations for CIS Council of Foreign Ministers and Heads of State meetings in Awaza on 7 and 9 October 2026, following a Sept. 7 meeting with CIS Deputy Secretary General Denis Trefilov. Caspian Trade Pressure: As Caspian Sea levels fall, the Middle Corridor is getting more expensive: one ferry can carry only 80% of a full load, forcing dredging and possible future berth extensions in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. 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 and warning that nuclear disarmament progress is stalling. Caspian Sustainability 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. Agro-Industry & Private Production: In Balkanabat, the private firm “Altyn nur zamany” is expanding high-quality processed fruit and vegetable products using modern equipment, aiming to supply domestic and foreign markets. Youth, Culture & Sports Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke horse events in the Netherlands continue to blend competition, science and cultural diplomacy, with meetings involving international partners.

Tech & Economy: Turkmenistan’s Academy of Sciences park is pushing AI into practical work—smart irrigation, soil monitoring, freight optimization and renewable energy—aiming to move research straight into production. Environment & Biodiversity: A UNDP- and GEF-backed workshop in Ashgabat is updating Turkmenistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 2026–2035 and preparing key UN reports. International Role: Turkmenistan was unanimously elected chair of the UN Landlocked Developing Countries Group for 2027–2028, with priorities including energy/transport connectivity and the Avaza Action Plan. Water Stress: A new regional analysis warns Central Asia’s water crisis is worsening as climate change hits supplies and demand rises, with downstream states like Turkmenistan facing the hardest trade-offs. Trade & Markets: SCRMET auctions totaled over $38.56 million in foreign-currency deals, including cement and heating oil. Culture & Diplomacy: Hero-Arkadag’s Netherlands trip highlighted Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke heritage at the World Championship and beauty contest, mixing sport, science and international cultural outreach. Youth & Road Safety: Ashgabat’s “Young traffic inspectors” final promoted road rules and first aid for schoolchildren.

Akhal-Teke Diplomacy in the Netherlands: Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the World Equestrian Games and the Akhal-Teke horse beauty contest in Kronenberg, where the event drew 100+ horses from 25 countries and included a scientific conference and cultural performances. Business and Partnerships: Berdimuhamedov met Çalık Holding’s chairman Ahmet Çalık and Germany’s Eastern Committee of German Economy executive director Michael Harms, with talks focused on trade, healthcare, agriculture, and new equipment for facilities tied to Turkmenistan’s independence anniversary. International Role for Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan was elected chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with priorities including energy and transport connectivity and implementing the Avaza Action Plan. 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 at the SCRMET Auctions: Turkmenistan’s State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange reported 22 foreign-currency deals totaling over $38.56 million.