AGP Executive Report

Security & Trade Corridors: Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged tougher security as Middle Corridor freight grows, warning that rising cargo volumes bring transnational crime—smuggling of drugs, weapons and other contraband—and calling for closer Central Asia–China law-enforcement cooperation and stronger cybersecurity. Regional Security Talks: Tokayev met interior and public security ministers from China and Central Asia in Astana, with ministers focused on organized crime, cybercrime, extremism and human trafficking, plus better information sharing. Urban Diplomacy in Baku: Turkmenistan’s Deryageldi Orazov used WUF13 Leaders’ Statements to argue that cities are now central to the fast-changing global economy and should be shaped by integrated systems of people, space and technology. Aviation Under Pressure: Russia’s direct international flight network is set to shrink this summer amid sanctions, drone threats and fuel shortages, with destinations already suspended or removed. Turkmenistan Abroad: The Hero-Arkadag arrived in the UK for meetings at Windsor, including with King Charles III, as Turkmenistan marks Constitution and State Flag Day at home.

Turkmenistan–UK Diplomacy: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has arrived in the United Kingdom for high-level meetings focused on cultural ties and horse breeding, with Akhal-Teke hopes for UK events in 2027. Constitution & Flag Day: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov marked the national holiday by stressing the Constitution’s role in neutrality and unity, and the flag’s symbolism of renewal and independence. Forced Labour Pressure: The Cotton Campaign urged Turkmenistan to end state-imposed forced labour after independent monitoring findings on the 2025 cotton harvest. Trade & Connectivity: Central Asian intra-regional trade hit $12.3bn in 2025, nearly double since 2020, while Turkmenistan’s customs call center and SCRMET auctions highlight ongoing efforts to streamline commerce. Sports & Culture: India took third in women’s and fifth in men’s team standings at the Asian weightlifting championships; Afghanistan’s U20 drew Kyrgyzstan 0–0.

Markets Watch: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions logged $13.066m in total transactions across 19 deals, with foreign buyers from Uzbekistan, the UAE and Afghanistan purchasing liquefied gas and diesel fractions, while traders from Hong Kong, Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan snapped up goods ranging from bedding sets to cotton yarn; domestic firms also bought key inputs for the local market worth 118.35m manats. Afghanistan Transit Push: Afghanistan is being pitched as a new regional crossroads, with officials pointing to active rail links and new transport corridors that could connect Central Asia to South Asia and the Indian Ocean. Energy Link: Turkmen and Afghan energy officials discussed progress on a 500 kV transmission line, with work expected to finish in about a year and supply to Afghan provinces continuing normally. Diplomacy & Cities: Turkmenistan’s Arkadag construction chief arrived in Azerbaijan for WUF13 talks, as regional leaders keep tying urban development to broader cooperation.

Tourism Surge: Uzbekistan logged 4,048,417 foreign visitors in January–April 2026, up 29.9% year-on-year, with the biggest flows from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. Transport Deal: Tashkent approved a protocol updating the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan road passenger and freight agreement, naming the transport ministry as the key implementer. Business Link-Up: A US–Turkic Republics Business Alliance was launched in New York to connect entrepreneurs and expand investment ties across Turkic states and the United States. Turkmen-Azerbaijan Talks: Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev met Turkmenistan’s Arkadag city construction chief, with both sides exchanging greetings and discussing restoration work in liberated Fuzuli. Regional Mobility Under Pressure: Reports say Iran’s transit options are expanding as a US naval blockade pushes cargo onto overland routes via Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Sports & Culture: Afghanistan’s U-20 drew Kyrgyzstan 0–0; meanwhile Turkmenistan marked Constitution and Flag Day with art exhibitions and theatre performances.

Blue-Economy Breakthrough: Pakistan says fish and fisheries exports have crossed $500 million for the first time in the fiscal year, hitting the target 46 days early as access to Russia opens up—16 Pakistani firms are now authorised to export seafood there, with officials projecting $800m annually and about $300m from Russia alone. Market Diversification: Frozen fish leads the haul, while shrimps, prawns, crabs, sardines, mackerel and fish meal broaden the mix; China remains the biggest buyer at nearly 59%, with Thailand next for HACCP-processed products. Turkic Civil Society Push: In Baku, the 2nd Solidarity Forum of NGOs of OTS member states is underway, bringing together groups from eight countries and launching new cooperation forums, including Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan NGO talks. Regional Connectivity Studies: Uzbekistan and Russia are working on a feasibility study for the Trans-Afghan railway corridor, aiming to link Termez–Mazar-i-Sharif–Kabul–Peshawar.

NGO Diplomacy in the Spotlight: The 2nd Solidarity Forum of NGOs of OTS member countries has kicked off in Baku, bringing civil society from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, TRNC and Hungary under “Baku Urban Week,” with new Azerbaijan–Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan–TRNC NGO cooperation forums running alongside it. Turkic World Geopolitics: An informal OTS leaders’ summit in Turkestan signals the bloc’s push beyond culture into economic integration, transport, energy security and digital coordination. Turkmenistan’s International Stage: Ashgabat’s Europe Day 2026 reception and White City Ashgabat 2026’s expanding industry partnerships (including Gap İnşaat and Rönesans Holding) keep the city’s investment pitch front and center. Regional Connectivity Watch: Uzbekistan and Russia are working on feasibility studies for the Trans-Afghan railway corridor, while Turkmenistan continues to host CIS railway talks. Humanitarian Tensions: A Lebanon–Israel ceasefire extension was agreed for 45 days, but reports say civilians are still being killed.

Trans-Afghan Rail Push: Russian and Uzbek rail specialists are drafting a feasibility study for a new corridor linking Termez–Mazar-i-Sharif–Kabul–Peshawar, with work continuing at the CIS Railway Transport Council meeting in Ashgabat—an effort revived after earlier Afghanistan disruptions. Turkmenistan in the Spotlight: The Turkmen national chess team is competing in the first Chess Olympiad of Turkic nations in Astana, where the women’s side is leading after the opening rounds. Culture as Diplomacy: Shusha’s 9th “Kharibulbul” festival is drawing performers from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, underscoring cultural ties across the region. Wildlife Across Borders: A new report warns Persian leopards remain near the brink, with retaliatory killings and habitat fragmentation continuing to drive decline. Regional Trade Context: Central Asian intraregional trade hit $12.3bn in 2025, nearly doubling since 2020, as connectivity projects keep gaining momentum.

Eurasian Pressure Test: The U.S. is trying to squeeze Iran’s economy at sea, but a China-linked rail corridor through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan is growing fast—freight trains have reportedly jumped from about once a week to every few days—highlighting a major gap in Washington’s strategy. Turkic Diplomacy: Türkiye’s Hakan Fidan joined OTS foreign ministers ahead of an informal summit in Turkistan, where leaders stressed unity amid crises from Iran to Gaza and flagged the Middle Corridor as a long-term priority. Turkmenistan in the Spotlight: In Kazan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in OIC culture talks and a high-profile equestrian day, while Ashgabat prepares for the “White City Ashgabat” forum on 24–25 May. Human Rights Watch Alarm: A new HRW report says U.S. foreign aid cuts in 2025 damaged human rights work worldwide, and separate monitoring claims forced labour in Turkmen cotton harvests worsened again last year.

Diplomacy in Kampala: A Turkmenistan delegation led by Ata Serdarov attended Uganda’s presidential inauguration in Kampala and met President Yoweri Museveni, exchanging congratulations and pledging deeper Turkmen-Ugandan cooperation. Ashgabat’s international push: The city is set to host the 25th “White City Ashgabat” forum on 24–25 May, with UN-backed discussions on sustainable, inclusive, smart cities and major energy and development partners expected. Regional connectivity focus: The 84th CIS Railway Transport Council opened in Ashgabat, with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s message highlighting sustainable transport corridors and faster interstate freight coordination. Youth health agenda: UNFPA held a technical meeting in Ashgabat on adolescent reproductive health and healthy lifestyles, mapping joint 2026 plans with Turkmen education and health bodies. Trade rules move online: ITC workshops in Ashgabat tackled digital trade and e-commerce regulation for both public and private sectors. Human rights funding shock: Human Rights Watch says US foreign aid cuts in 2025 damaged global rights work, halting investigations and victim support across 16 countries.

Sustainable Cities Push: Ashgabat is set to host the 25th “White City Ashgabat” exhibition and conference on 24–25 May, themed “Architecture. Innovation. Sustainable Development,” with international organizations and major companies lining up to discuss smart, greener urban planning—highlighted by the expected participation of IRENA chief Francesco La Camera and a UN-backed roundtable on turning global dialogue into local action. Regional Connectivity: Turkmenistan’s transport agenda stays busy: the 84th CIS railway council meeting opened in Ashgabat as officials stress modernized corridors linking Europe, Russia, China and India. Energy Projects: Afghanistan’s TAPI work inside the country has advanced by 55 km, while officials say gas could be used not just for transmission but also for electricity and other production. Humanitarian Pressure: The UN warns Afghanistan could feed one million more children if conflict and regional shocks hadn’t driven up prices and transport costs. Sports & Culture: Turkmenistan will send six weightlifters to India for the Asian Championships, and Shusha’s Kharibulbul festival has kicked off.

Energy Security Rush: With the Middle East conflict tightening fuel routes, India is pushing long-stalled pipeline plans to cut reliance on sea chokepoints, including a proposed Oman–India deepwater gas line and a revived India–Sri Lanka oil pipeline idea. Turkmen-Russia Talks: In a phone call, Vladimir Putin and Turkmen national leader Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov discussed boosting the Moscow–Ashgabat strategic partnership across trade, economy, culture, and humanitarian cooperation. AI Gap in Central Asia: A Microsoft report says Central Asia is lagging in everyday generative AI use, with Kazakhstan highest in the region and Turkmenistan near the bottom. Humanitarian Spotlight: Qatar Red Crescent’s Adahi “Make Their Eid” campaign is drawing strong public support and aims to reach over 209,000 beneficiaries across 16 countries. Regional Sports & Culture: Uzbekistan’s boxers lead a big haul into Asian junior finals, while Qatar’s Adahi and Turkmenistan’s ongoing cultural and education events keep the week’s attention split between sport, solidarity, and learning.

Culture & Diplomacy: The 9th Kharibulbul International Music Festival is set to open in Shusha on May 14, with rehearsals already underway at Jidir Plain and performances featuring Azerbaijani artists plus guests from the USA, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye, and Japan. Turkmen-Malaysia Energy Talks: In Ashgabat, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met Malaysia’s political adviser Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican and Petronas leadership, marking the 30th anniversary of Petronas in Turkmenistan and focusing on expanding cooperation in the energy sector. Transport & Trade Push: Turkmenistan’s rail modernization and Middle Corridor ambitions get a boost as Baku prepares to increase container traffic with the newly launched Turkmen-built dry cargo vessel “Gadamly,” expected to run regularly between Turkmenbashi and Baku. Regional Connectivity: Pakistan’s commerce discussions with Turkmenistan’s envoy highlight corridor and logistics cooperation, while Pakistan also signals it may expand Russian oil and gas imports as the Strait of Hormuz crisis reshapes supply routes. Press Freedom Watch: RSF’s 2026 World Press Freedom Index flags Central Asia’s continued strain, with Turkmenistan among the lowest-ranked countries.

Middle Corridor Boost: Turkmenistan’s first locally built dry cargo ship, the “Gadamly” (6,100 tons; up to 240 twenty-foot containers), has been commissioned at Baku Port to expand regular container service on the Baku–Turkmenbashi route, with a second sister vessel, “Menzil,” expected within 3–4 months and both planned to run together by year-end. Regional Energy Pressure: As the Strait of Hormuz crisis keeps supply routes shaky, Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia says Islamabad is weighing higher Russian oil and gas imports and may later discuss pipeline links involving Turkmenistan and Russia to South Asia. Diplomacy & Law: Ashgabat hosted a scientific-practical conference on “Turkmenistan and International Law,” highlighting the push for multilateralism and a planned 2028 “Year of International Law.” Tech & Education: Turkmenistan also continues international academic outreach, including Japan meetings on AI, language learning, and exchange programs.

Shipbuilding Push: Turkmenistan has launched its first locally built dry cargo vessel, the “Gadamly,” from the Balkan Shipbuilding and Repair Yard—6,100 tons capacity and room for up to 240 containers—marking a new step for the Middle Corridor and boosting Baku–Turkmenbashi container links. Energy & Transit Politics: Pakistan’s ambassador in Moscow says Islamabad is raising Russian oil imports as the Strait of Hormuz crisis squeezes Gulf supply, and hints that future pipelines could connect Central Asia and Russia to South Asia. Regional Connectivity Talks: Pakistan and Turkmenistan also discussed expanding energy connectivity and trade corridors, with Islamabad positioning its ports as a gateway for Central Asia. Tech & Education Links: Turkmenistan’s delegation in Japan focused on AI, language learning, exchange programs, and JICA-backed cooperation with universities. Sports: Turkmenistan’s U20 team begins the CAFA-2026 youth championship in Tajikistan today, starting against Afghanistan.

Korean Education Boom: Korean-language classes abroad jumped 54% in four years, with 2,777 overseas schools offering courses by end-2025 and student numbers rising to 236,089—Uzbekistan led the surge by adding 68 new schools. Sanctions and Security: The U.S. rolled out fresh sanctions targeting China- and Hong Kong-linked firms accused of supplying Iran with drone and missile-related materials, just as Washington prepares for a high-stakes China visit. Central Asia’s Trade Pressure: EU’s 20th Russia sanctions package now targets third countries used to reroute restricted goods, with Kyrgyzstan singled out over a sharp rise in machine-tool and data equipment flows tied to Russia’s defense supply chain. Caspian as a Backdoor Route: New reporting says Russia and Iran are leaning on the Caspian Sea to move drone and food shipments while avoiding Western pressure around the Strait of Hormuz. Climate Watch: April 2026 ranked among the warmest on record globally, with NOAA reporting a 93% chance 2026 lands in the top four warmest years.

Turkmen-Cambodian tourism push: In Phnom Penh, Turkmen Deputy FM Ahmet Gurbanov met Cambodia’s Tourism Minister Huot Hak, with both sides discussing FAM trips, joint promotion, and feasibility of direct flights between Ashgabat–Phnom Penh and Ashgabat–Siem Reap, alongside speeding up a tourism MoU. Digital rights under pressure: Central Asian human-rights groups warn of escalating digital repression—harassment, cyberattacks, site blocking, shutdowns, and AI-enabled surveillance—aimed at shrinking civic space. Caspian corridor spotlight: A New York Times report says Russia and Iran increasingly use the Caspian as a low-visibility logistics lifeline, including drone-related shipments and rerouted food flows. Regional culture and sport: Tashkent hosted Akhal-Teke-themed equestrian events, a beauty contest, and an international scientific forum, while Turkmenistan’s Balkan visit wrapped up. Business links: Washington saw the launch of the Turkmen-American Business Cooperation Association, aiming to connect companies and expand trade. Education trend: Korea’s overseas Korean-language programs keep growing—2,777 schools abroad by end-2025, with student numbers rising to 236,089.