AGP Executive Report

UNDP/GEF Small Grants: UNDP, with GEF support, launched a small grants programme for local initiatives in Dashoguz and Lebap to back land and water conservation, restore degraded ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and build community resilience in the Aral Sea basin. Caspian Sea Alarm: A new report warns the Caspian has shrunk by about 24,000 km² since the mid-1990s, driven by evaporation and reduced river inflow, with growing risks for fisheries and water quality. Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan Summit: Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Serdar Berdimuhamedov traded press statements in Baku, stressing long-term cooperation in transport, logistics, and “neutrality,” alongside cultural and spiritual ties. Energy & Shipping Moves: Azerbaijan handed over the “Dostlug” tanker to Turkmenistan, while Malaysia’s Petronas also signed new Caspian exploration deals tied to Turkmennebit/Hazarnebit. IMF Update: An IMF Article IV mission said Turkmenistan’s economy saw modest improvement in 2025, with easing inflation and a surplus external position, and projected growth around 2.4% for 2026. Human Rights Dialogue: Turkmenistan and the EU held their 18th Human Rights Dialogue in Ashgabat, covering legislation, rule of law, gender equality, and rights protections. Local Life: Ashgabat marked the Day of Remembrance and Mourning at “Memory Alley,” and hot weather continues nationwide into the week.

Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan State Visit: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Baku for an official visit, with leaders stressing long-term cooperation across energy, transport and logistics, and reaffirming Azerbaijan’s support for Turkmenistan’s neutrality. Caspian Partnership in Action: The two sides exchanged signed documents covering customs information, customs statistics cooperation, and sports ties, while a “Dostlug” oil tanker—gifted by Azerbaijan and built at Baku Shipyard—was presented online as a symbol of expanding Caspian trade and transport links. Diplomatic Milestones: Berdimuhamedov also paid tribute at Baku’s Alley of Honors to Heydar Aliyev and Zarifa Aliyeva, and laid a wreath at Victory Park. Trade and Finance Watch: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions logged 27 transactions totaling over $62.52m, including foreign-currency purchases of liquefied gas, diesel and motor oil. Energy Cooperation Signals: Turkmenistan’s willingness to work with Japan on AI was highlighted after talks in Tokyo on AI and digital transformation. Regional Context: West Asia tourism fell 14% in early 2026 amid regional tensions, with Turkmenistan named among markets targeted for religious and medical travel.

Turkmen–Azerbaijan Diplomacy: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov is set for a state visit to Azerbaijan, with Turkmen officials reporting steady progress on preparations and stressing growing trade, energy, and transport cooperation. Caspian Cooperation: Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan plan to deepen Caspian Sea collaboration, including energy and logistics links, supported by a large web of existing agreements. Malaysia–Turkmen Energy Deal: Malaysia’s Petronas has signed new agreements in Turkmenistan to expand upstream work and secure access to major gas fields, as leaders frame the partnership as a long-term energy-security boost. Bilateral Talks in Ashgabat: Turkmen and Malaysian leaders also discussed wider cooperation in industry, agriculture, textiles, banking, transport corridors, and continued education exchanges. Health Policy: Turkmenistan approved a 2026–2030 national program to protect maternal and child health, with plans to modernize healthcare and improve specialized services. July Cultural Calendar: The government approved a packed July program of major cultural events tied to the independence anniversary, including arts, excursions, and youth TV and handicraft competitions. OSCE & UN Support: OSCE training strengthened strategic communication in Turkmen state institutions, while UNDP held a workshop on securities market development and brokerage regulation.

Malaysia–Turkmenistan Energy Push: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Ashgabat (June 18-19) focused on deepening oil and gas ties, with Petronas marking 30 years in Turkmenistan and signing new agreements to expand upstream work in the Caspian Sea, including production sharing for offshore blocks 19 and 20 and 2D seismic studies. Russia Supply Assurances: Anwar also said Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged long-term oil, gas and diesel supplies for at least 20 years, while Turkmenistan approved new access for Malaysia to major gas reserves—both framed as long-term energy security wins. Bilateral Framework: Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Anwar agreed to broaden cooperation beyond energy into industry, agriculture, textiles, banking, transport/logistics corridors, and education, with a structured, progressive partnership approach. OSCE & UN Support: OSCE ran training in Ashgabat on strategic government communication and a study visit on gender-based violence response; UNDP held a workshop on securities market development in Turkmenistan. Local Life & Culture: A day of faith-and-state-linked events included a proposal to name a new Arkadag mosque; meanwhile, children’s summer recreation in Avaza continues with excursions and activities.

Malaysia–Turkmenistan Energy Push: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim says Petronas has secured access to major Turkmen gas reserves, with new deals signed in Ashgabat including a production sharing agreement for Caspian offshore Blocks 19 and 20 and 2D seismic cooperation—framed as a long-term boost to energy security and future exports. Russia Supply Assurance: Anwar also cites Putin’s pledge of oil, gas and diesel supplies for at least 20 years, linking Russia and Turkmenistan cooperation to Malaysia’s “decades” of energy stability. Bilateral Talks Expand Beyond Oil: Turkmen and Malaysian leaders agreed to deepen work across education, science and technology, banking, transport and logistics, plus cultural and humanitarian cooperation, with an East–West transport corridor highlighted. Diplomatic Framing: Turkmenistan’s foreign policy principles—“Dialogue” and “Peace through development”—were reiterated during negotiations with Malaysia. Religious & Cultural Life: Religious figures backed naming the new Arkadag mosque “Arkadagyň Ruhy metjidi,” while a Magtymguly Fragi art exhibition and a 2026 graduation ceremony at the Oguz han university drew local attention. Human Rights & Tech: Turkmenistan’s ombudsperson joined an AI-focused human rights summit in Baku, discussing digital rights and women’s participation in technology. Iraq Looks to Restart Turkmen Gas Deal: Iraq is moving to reactivate a stalled Turkmenistan gas arrangement to ease a worsening summer power shortage, tied to broader US-Iran sanction developments.

Energy Deal: Malaysia’s Petronas has signed new agreements in Ashgabat to expand its role in Turkmenistan’s Caspian offshore sector, including a production sharing deal for Blocks 19 and 20 and a cooperation pact for 2D seismic studies, as Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim marked 30 years of Petronas operations. Energy Security: Anwar also said Russia has assured Malaysia of oil, gas and diesel supplies for at least 20 years, while Turkmenistan’s new access is expected to secure Malaysia’s energy needs “for decades.” Bilateral Partnership: Both sides framed the visit as more than business, pledging a structured, long-term partnership spanning energy, trade, investment, education, research, science and technology, tourism and air connectivity. Human Rights & Digital Life: Turkmenistan’s ombudsperson took part in an international summit in Baku on human rights in the age of AI, discussing protections in the digital space and digital literacy. Labor Watch: The ILO again criticized Turkmenistan over forced labor allegations tied to the cotton harvest, urging concrete measures by September 1. Public Services & Daily Life: Reports also highlighted rare protests in Mary over frequent power outages, with residents demanding action from local authorities.

Malaysia–Turkmenistan Energy Deal: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wrapped up a two-day visit to Ashgabat, calling it a success for strengthening ties and opening a new chapter across energy, trade, investment, tourism and air links. Caspian Gas Expansion: The leaders backed a new Petronas push in Turkmenistan’s Caspian shelf, including a production sharing agreement for offshore Blocks 19 and 20 and a cooperation deal on 2D seismic studies, marking 30 years of Petronas operations in the country. Petronas Gas Field Win: Anwar said Petronas’ agreement to secure one of the world’s largest gas fields will ease domestic supply worries and support exports to Japan, South Korea and China. Education & Climate Training: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education authorities ran a training-of-trainers seminar to roll out a specialized climate change adaptation course for higher and secondary institutions. Local Life: Grain harvesting is accelerating in the western Balkan region, while the Avaza national tourist zone is ramping up summer services, including a daily Ashgabat–Avaza bus route. Rights Watch: The ILO again urged Turkmenistan to end forced labor in cotton harvesting, citing continued coerced mobilization of public-sector workers.

Malaysia-Turkmenistan Energy Push: Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Ashgabat for a two-day visit, with leaders witnessing new strategic energy cooperation tied to Petronas and Turkmen energy authorities. Turkmen-Slovak Economic Talks: Turkmenistan held the first meeting of a new Turkmen-Slovak joint commission on economic cooperation, with both sides flagging transport, energy, IT, agriculture and business missions. Digital Services Move Forward: Turkmentelecom rolled out an electronic mailing service for corporate clients via its Sanly portal, adding to the state’s expanding online administration. Climate Finance Training: A Green Climate Fund concept-note workshop in Almaty backed Central Asian countries—including Turkmenistan—with plans to build a pipeline of climate projects for funding submissions. Regional Connectivity Focus: Uzbekistan’s role as a Eurasian transport hub was highlighted at TIIF-2026, pointing to major rail corridors that could boost container traffic and link to Turkmenistan and beyond. Rare Protest Over Power Cuts: Hundreds protested in Mary over frequent outages, with police dispersing the crowd after officials promised fixes.

Malaysia–Turkmenistan Energy Push: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Ashgabat for a two-day official visit, with both sides expected to sign and exchange key oil-and-gas and transport-related documents, including an Air Services Agreement and science and transport MoUs, as Petronas marks 30 years in Turkmenistan. Caspian Offshore Deal: Ahead of the visit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov authorized Türkmennebit to conclude an agreement with Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) and Hazarnebit to develop licensed blocks in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea. Agriculture Update: Berdimuhamedov toured wheat fields in Akhal velayat to kick off the harvest, highlighting modernization efforts such as elevators, agro-processing, fertilizer production and water-management facilities. Diplomacy & Reform: Turkmenistan also held talks with the EBRD on ongoing projects and new initiatives, while Ashgabat hosted a UN-backed roundtable on land degradation and drought resilience. Regional Cooperation: Turkmenistan discussed cooperation prospects with Slovakia in Ashgabat and prepared for the Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit agenda.

Malaysia–Turkmenistan Energy Talks: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrives in Ashgabat for a June 18–19 visit, with oil-and-gas cooperation high on the agenda, including planned document exchanges and an Air Services Agreement. Caspian Oil Deal: Türkmennebit is authorized to sign a new agreement with Petronas Carigali (Türkmenistan) and Hazarnebit to develop licensed offshore blocks in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea. Diplomacy & Business: In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan met Slovakia on expanding trade in transport, energy, IT and agriculture, while the MFA also discussed ongoing cooperation with the EBRD. Agriculture Push: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov toured Akhal velayat to kick off the wheat harvest, highlighting modernization of elevators, processing plants and water management. Neutrality on the Global Stage: A UN General Assembly resolution on Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy was published in all six UN languages. Regional Connectivity: Turkmenistan is preparing for the Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit (Sept 16–17), with senior officials meeting in Tashkent. Education Rules: New regulations govern mobile device use in schools and universities, allowing learning tools but restricting recording and requiring silent/airplane mode during lessons.

Malaysia–Turkmenistan Energy Talks: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim is set to visit Ashgabat June 18–19, with expectations of a long-term Petronas deal for 20–25 years plus wider cooperation in transport, logistics, agriculture, trade, and tourism. Banking & Trade Links: Agrobank says it plans by year-end to set up trade facilitation and payment settlement arrangements connecting Malaysia with Uzbekistan and the wider CIS, using Uzbekistan as a gateway for regional agricultural and commodity trade. Cross-border Industry Deal: Turkmen electronic firm “Aýdyň Gijeler” will launch a production facility in Uzbekistan to supply transport-infrastructure items for the Tashkent–Samarkand highway, including safety barriers, signs, and lighting poles. Education Tech Rules: Turkmenistan has approved new regulations for mobile device use in schools, allowing devices for learning while requiring silent/airplane mode and banning unauthorized recording. Forced Labor Pressure: The ILO again urges Turkmenistan to dismantle its cotton quota system, citing continued forced labor concerns and demanding a progress report by Sept. 1. SDG Reporting: Turkmenistan began preparations for its third Voluntary National Review on SDGs at the UN in Ashgabat, with UN and civil society partners discussing priorities for the 2030 agenda. Health Campaign: UNICEF and Turkmenistan are pushing exclusive breastfeeding after a drop in rates over recent years, launching a campaign running through August.

School Tech Rules: Turkmenistan has approved new regulations for how students and teachers can use personal mobile devices in classrooms, allowing phones and tablets as learning tools but requiring silent/airplane mode during lessons and banning photos or recordings without permission. Education & Digital Safety: The rules also call for staff training, software and network access, and awareness sessions for students and parents, with oversight assigned inside the Ministry of Education. Forced Labor Pressure: The ILO again urged Turkmenistan to abolish its cotton quota system, citing continued forced labor concerns and asking for a detailed progress report by September 1. SDG Reporting: Turkmenistan began preparations for its third Voluntary National Review on Sustainable Development Goals, with UN agencies and civil society discussing priorities across all 17 goals. Health Campaign: UNICEF and Turkmen health authorities launched a May–August campaign to boost exclusive breastfeeding, responding to a drop in exclusive breastfeeding from 56.5% (2019) to 35.5% (2024). Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s deputy foreign minister joined Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit preparations, while Turkmen officials also met Kazakhstan and Japan counterparts and prepared for a presidential visit to Azerbaijan. Regional Security Think Tanks: Afghanistan’s foreign minister hosted a forum with Central Asian states and Azerbaijan, stressing research cooperation and connectivity amid shared security concerns.

Ultra-Deep Gas Push: China’s state oil giants are accelerating ultra-deep shale drilling in Sichuan, aiming to lift domestic gas output by more than a third by 2035 as Sinopec and PetroChina expand projects thousands of meters underground. Turkmenistan & SDGs: Ashgabat hosted a UN-backed round table to prepare Turkmenistan’s third Voluntary National Review on the Sustainable Development Goals, with government, UN agencies, and civil society mapping priorities for 2030. Forced Cotton Under Scrutiny: The ILO again urged Turkmenistan to dismantle its cotton quota system, citing continued forced labor concerns and asking for a progress report by September 1. Breastfeeding Campaign: UNICEF and Turkmenistan launched a May–August national push to raise exclusive breastfeeding rates, after figures fell from 56.5% (2019) to 35.5% (2024). Regional Afghanistan Talks: EU and Central Asian envoys met in Almaty to coordinate responses on Afghanistan, focusing on security, transit corridors, water, rights, and humanitarian funding limits. Afghanistan Security Forum: Taliban FM Amir Khan Muttaqi said ISIS remains a shared concern and pledged cooperation with Central Asian states. Local Development: UNICEF also highlighted Turkmenistan’s “Green Skills” competition, where students proposed school and community projects on energy, waste, water, and biodiversity.

Forced Labour Watch: The ILO again urged Turkmenistan to end its state cotton quota system, citing continued mobilization concerns and asking for a progress report by September 1. Health Campaign: Turkmenistan, with UNICEF and health authorities, launched a national push to boost exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, after rates fell from 56.5% (2019) to 35.5% (2024). Regional Diplomacy on Afghanistan: EU and Central Asian envoys met in Almaty to coordinate approaches on Afghanistan, stressing security, connectivity and UN-led humanitarian support; separately, Afghanistan’s Taliban foreign ministry is set to host a Kabul think-tank forum with regional research centers. Security Cooperation: Taliban FM Amir Khan Muttaqi said ISIS-Khorasan remains a shared concern for Afghanistan and Central Asia, calling for cooperation among neighboring states. Bilateral Moves: Turkmenistan is preparing for President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s expected official visit to Azerbaijan, with multiple documents planned; Turkmenistan also met Japan’s ambassador and advanced talks with Austria on economic cooperation. Energy/Transit: Construction on the Herat section of the TAPI pipeline reportedly passed 52% completion, with Turkmen officials aiming to finish the 130-km segment by end-2026. Culture & Heritage: Getty Museum experts joined restoration work on a rare 5th-century Buddha sculpture from ancient Merv, using 3D methods to stabilize the artifact.

TAPI Pipeline Progress: Taliban officials say construction of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline has hit 52% in Herat, with 80 km laid and 72.3 km of pipe delivered from Turkmenistan, while Turkmen officials reportedly expect the full 130 km Herat segment to be finished by end-2026. Health Campaign: Turkmenistan launched a national May–August drive with the Health Ministry, UNICEF and a children’s charity to boost exclusive breastfeeding to six months, citing a drop from 56.5% (2019) to 35.5% (2024). Military Education: A ceremony in Ashgabat honored graduates of Turkmenistan’s military and law-enforcement academies, with new officers swearing an oath and laying flowers at key memorials. Oil & Gas Procurement: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved contracts for steel pipes and drilling casing/drill pipes from Chinese firms to support oil and gas infrastructure, plus a new tender procedure for transport and communications procurement. International Cooperation: Ashgabat is preparing for a Malaysian prime minister visit and for a Turkmenistan–Slovakia joint economic commission, while Turkmenistan and Austria continue commission talks on trade, energy, digitalization and AI. Cultural Heritage: U.S. Getty Museum experts are in Turkmenistan to continue restoring a rare 5th-century Buddha sculpture from ancient Merv, using 3D printing to replicate and stabilize the head. Sports & Youth: Ashgabat hosted the 14th Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Cup, and Turkmen chess player Myahri Agamuradova impressed at Aktobe, moving toward a WFM-level rating.

TAPI Progress in Herat: Taliban officials say construction of the Afghanistan section of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline has hit 52% completion, with 80 km laid and 72.3 km of pipe delivered from Turkmenistan; authorities expect the full 130-km Herat segment to finish by end-2026. Military Graduation Ceremony: In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan held a ceremony for graduates of the Military Academy and other defense and law-enforcement higher education institutions, where new officers swore an oath and received certificates. Regional Research Forum in Kabul: Afghanistan’s Taliban Foreign Ministry announced a Kabul meeting of research centers from Afghanistan, Central Asia and Azerbaijan to discuss connectivity, stability, trade, energy, transit and policy recommendations. Turkmen-Azerbaijan Diplomatic Push: Turkmenistan’s ambassador says President Serdar Berdimuhamedov is preparing an official visit to Azerbaijan, with several bilateral documents expected to be signed. Oil & Gas Procurement: Berdimuhamedov approved major purchases of steel pipes and drilling equipment for Türkmengaz and Türkmennebit, plus updated tender procedures for transport and communications procurement. SCRMET Auction Results: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET reports 54 foreign-currency transactions totaling $19.507m, including LNG and other goods bought by UAE, Türkiye and others. UN Games Launch: Turkmenistan-backed UN Games 2026 officially opened in a virtual ceremony, with sport diplomacy framed as a tool for peace and development. Digital Border Management Training: IOM trained Turkmen partners on digital tools for integrated border management, including data exchange and migration case systems. Cultural Heritage Restoration: U.S. Getty Museum experts arrived in Turkmenistan to continue restoring a rare 5th-century Buddha sculpture from Ancient Merv, using 3D replication to aid stabilization. Information Controls Report: A new watchdog report says Turkmenistan is tightening digital controls, including crackdowns on tools used to bypass censorship.