AGP Executive Report

Turkmenistan–Russia ties: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke by phone with Vladimir Putin, who congratulated him on his birthday and both sides reaffirmed plans to deepen their strategic partnership, including preparations for the upcoming CIS leaders’ meeting in early October. Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan cooperation: Berdimuhamedov also called Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who sent birthday wishes and reviewed expanding trade and joint energy and transport projects, with special focus on the “Shavat–Dashoguz” joint trade zone. Armenia–Turkmenistan diplomacy: Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan is expected to visit Turkmenistan for a working visit, with the trip linked to COP17 preparations in Yerevan. TAPI gas pipeline progress: Turkmenistan’s ambassador to Pakistan said the Serhetabat–Herat section should be finished by end-2026, setting up gas deliveries to Afghanistan in 2027. Customs modernization: Turkmen customs specialists trained on using AI for risk management as part of an EU-funded project supporting the China–Central Asia–Europe transit corridor. Regional environment: Iran warned Caspian Sea levels are falling fast, threatening coastal ecosystems across the five littoral states, including Turkmenistan. Power and grid upgrades: Work has started on Kabul-area power substations and a 220-kilovolt line extension, with Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan 500-kV projects also supporting Afghanistan’s grid.

Turkmenistan in Regional Spotlight: Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev sent birthday wishes to Turkmen leader Serdar Berdimuhamedov, praising progress under his leadership and the Kazakh-Turkmen strategic partnership. Sports at the Asian Games: Turkmen athletes are competing in Japan’s XX Asian Games; Turkmen boxer Bayramdurdy Nurmuhammedov lost to Bahrain’s Ali Abdalla in the men’s 70kg preliminaries, while Turkmen’s national team continues its campaign in Nagoya. Customs Modernization: About 30 Turkmen customs specialists trained in Ashgabat on using artificial intelligence and modern data analysis for risk management, under an EU-funded Caspian transit corridor project. Energy Connectivity: Turkmenistan says conditions for starting natural gas supplies to Pakistan via TAPI in 2027 are taking shape, with the Serhetabat–Herat section expected to be completed this year. Diplomacy with the EU: Turkmenistan’s MFA met the EU ambassador to discuss bilateral cooperation priorities ahead of the UN General Assembly and plans for joint events. Weather Watch: Ashgabat forecasts partly cloudy days around +30 to +35°C, cooling gradually toward the weekend.

Weather Watch: Turkmenistan is set for moderately warm days up to +37°C, with a gradual cool-down toward the weekend; Ashgabat should see partly cloudy skies around +30…+37°C. Education & Youth: Myrat Garryyev State Medical University hosted the Biology Olympiad final for the 35th independence anniversary, awarding top students from Ahal, Mary, Lebap, Balkan, and Dashoguz. Regional Rankings: The Global Cities Index 2026 places Almaty at 265th and Astana at 281st, while Ashgabat ranks 668th and Dushanbe 672nd. Energy & Trade: Turkmenistan says the Serhetabat–Herat section of the TAPI gas pipeline is expected to be completed this year, paving the way for gas supplies to Afghanistan in 2027; the EU and Turkmenistan also held talks on expanding bilateral cooperation. Industry Update: Lebap Cement Plant’s second phase is ramping up output to 2 million tons annually and adding higher-grade S-600 cement. Local Life: Ashgabat road safety gets a boost with a convex mirror installed at a blind residential intersection. Culture & Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s “Days of Turkmen Culture” in Seoul highlighted instruments and crafts as a human bridge alongside summit diplomacy.

EU-Turkmenistan Talks: Deputy FM Myahri Byashimova met EU Ambassador Luc Devigne at the MFA to review bilateral cooperation and UN General Assembly priorities, agreeing to keep regular contacts. Ashgabat Mobility & Safety: City authorities installed a convex mirror at a blind residential intersection to improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians as part of wider neighborhood road-safety upgrades. Central Asia Trade Snapshot: In Jan–July 2026, intra-regional trade rose 25.4% to $8.1bn; Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan drove most growth, while Turkmenistan’s exports to the region climbed 10.4% to $844m. Culture in Seoul: Turkmenistan’s Days of Turkmen Culture in South Korea highlighted national music and crafts alongside summit diplomacy. Infrastructure Oversight: National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inspected modernization work around the Akhal-Teke Equestrian Complex, including upgraded highways and new road features. UN Foresight Pilot: Turkmenistan’s UN Country Team became the first to pilot the G-PESTLE strategic foresight framework, aiming to help the wider UN system plan for emerging risks and opportunities. Cotton Harvest Coercion Claims: Reports say public employees in Turkmenistan pay monthly fees to avoid forced cotton-field work, with quotas and “voluntary” paperwork used to pressure staff.

Iran Trade Disruption: Iran’s economy is still getting squeezed by the U.S. blockade, with land routes clogged by customs delays and weak infrastructure; truck queues at borders can stretch for weeks, including at the Turkmenistan crossing where rail capacity is limited by registration and warehousing gaps. Turkmenistan–Afghanistan Power Link: Afghanistan’s state power utility says talks with the TAPI project are advancing a 500-kilovolt transmission line, aimed at boosting electricity imports from Turkmenistan and progressing substation work in Herat. UN Diplomacy: Turkmenistan briefed diplomats on priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly, focusing on trust-building, preventive diplomacy, transport connectivity, depoliticized energy dialogue, climate action, humanitarian cooperation, and AI governance. Cotton Harvest Coercion Claims: Reports say public employees in Turkmenistan are paying monthly fees to avoid forced cotton-field work, with quotas and “voluntary” paperwork used to pressure compliance. World Ozone Day in Ashgabat: Schoolchildren took part in interactive events on protecting the ozone layer, including quizzes and eco-logistics games. Sports: Turkmenistan’s chess teams posted strong results at the Samarkand Olympiad, with the men beating Mozambique 4-0 and the women defeating Suriname 3-1.

UN Diplomacy Focus: Turkmenistan briefed the diplomatic corps on its priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly, stressing restoring trust, preventive diplomacy, transport connectivity, depoliticized energy dialogue, climate action, humanitarian cooperation and responsible use of new technologies, including AI. Cotton Harvest Pressure: Reports say public employees in Turkmenistan are paying monthly fees (20–380 manats) to avoid forced cotton-field work, with “voluntary” paperwork and disciplinary pressure used to enforce quotas. Energy to Afghanistan: Afghanistan’s power utility says it met Turkmenistan officials on progress of the 500-kilovolt transmission project, aimed at boosting electricity supplies from Turkmenistan, alongside work on the Noor-ul-Jihad substation in Herat. Regional Connectivity Talks: A UN regional seminar in Tokyo on youth empowerment, digital resilience and rule of law included a Turkmen delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Education. Turkmen-Korea Academic Honor: A ceremonial conference in Ashgabat marked Sungkyunkwan University awarding President Serdar Berdimuhamedov the title of “Honorary Doctor of Political Science.” Sports & Culture: Turkmen athletes are set to join the opening of the Asian Games in Japan, while Ashgabat hosted World Ozone Day activities for schoolchildren.

Turkmenistan in UN diplomacy: Ashgabat outlined its priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly, stressing restoring trust, preventive diplomacy, transport connectivity, depoliticized energy dialogue, climate action, humanitarian cooperation and responsible use of new technologies, including AI. Cotton harvest coercion claims: Reports say public employees in Turkmenistan are paying monthly fees (20–380 manats) to avoid forced work in the cotton fields, with quotas and “voluntary” paperwork used to pressure staff. UN capacity-building: The UN Country Team in Turkmenistan became the first to pilot the G-PESTLE strategic foresight framework, aiming to spot emerging risks and opportunities for long-term planning. Energy cooperation with Afghanistan: Afghanistan’s power utility says it met with TAPI project officials on progress for a 500-kilovolt transmission line and related substation work, to boost electricity imports from Turkmenistan. WTO progress update: Turkmenistan’s MFA says accession preparations accelerated in 2026, including plans for a national negotiating group and a designated chairing state for the WTO working party. Regional ties via education: China’s embassy in Turkmenistan handed admission notifications to scholarship students, highlighting growing education cooperation.

UN General Assembly Priorities: Turkmenistan laid out its agenda for the 81st UNGA in New York, stressing restoring trust, preventive diplomacy, transport connectivity, depoliticized energy dialogue, climate action, humanitarian cooperation and responsible use of new technologies including AI. MFA Briefing in Ashgabat: The Foreign Ministry briefed the diplomatic corps and media on the same priorities and on Turkmenistan’s cooperation with international financial institutions, including regular IMF dialogue. Cotton Harvest Coercion Claims: Reports say public employees in Turkmenistan are paying monthly fees (20–380 manats) to avoid forced cotton-field work, with local officials and “voluntary” paperwork used to manage quotas. WTO Accession Update: Turkmenistan’s WTO bid is accelerating, with plans for a national negotiating group and a designated chairing state for the working party. IAEA Engagement: A Turkmenistan delegation took part in the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, highlighting nuclear non-proliferation, safety, and cancer care initiatives. Customs Modernization: More than 30 customs specialists trained in advanced risk management methods under an EU-funded trans-Caspian corridor project. Gender Equality Consultations: UNFPA and the Mejlis held consultations to strengthen legislation and mechanisms to prevent discrimination and gender-based violence. World Ozone Day: Ashgabat hosted an ozone-layer awareness drive for schoolchildren. Korea-Central Asia Summit Fallout: Coverage continues on Seoul’s push to deepen ties with Central Asia via supply chains, critical minerals, energy and AI, with Turkmenistan among the key partners.

UN Diplomacy: Turkmenistan laid out its priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly, stressing restoring trust, preventive diplomacy, transport connectivity, depoliticized energy dialogue, climate action, humanitarian cooperation and international law. MFA Briefings: Separate MFA updates also covered Turkmenistan’s engagement with international financial institutions and its WTO accession progress, including plans to accelerate preparations via a national negotiating group and a designated chairing state. Energy & Security: Turkmenistan reaffirmed the Energy Charter Treaty’s relevance as a practical platform for energy security while noting Europe’s shifting approach to participation. Cotton Harvest Coercion Claims: Reports say public employees in Turkmenistan are paying monthly fees to avoid forced cotton-field work, with disciplinary pressure tied to “voluntary” letters and classroom checks. Customs Modernization: Ashgabat hosted training on advanced customs risk management under an EU-backed trans-Caspian corridor project, including pre-arrival data analysis and post-clearance audits. Gender Equality: UNFPA and the Mejlis held consultations to align Turkmenistan’s legislation with CEDAW recommendations and strengthen mechanisms to prevent discrimination and gender-based violence. Environment Education: Ashgabat marked World Ozone Day with schoolchildren’s awareness events. Agriculture: Dashoguz velayat continues winter wheat sowing with frost- and drought-tolerant varieties. Regional Spotlight: Caspian 2026 rescue drills wrapped up in Astrakhan with Turkmen emergency teams among participants.

Korea-Central Asia Summit: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov joined the first “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” summit in Seoul, where leaders adopted the Seoul Declaration and set a two-year summit rhythm, tying cooperation to AI, science, security and “smart cities” style urban modernization. Business & Infrastructure: Korean builder Daewoo E&C pushed a Karakum Canal modernization MoU with Turkmenistan’s water authorities, while Turkmenistan’s Investment Forum 2026 (Oct 1–2) is set to let local firms pre-book meetings with major Japanese, Korean and German companies via an attendee app. Cyber & Security: OSCE trained Ashgabat media professionals on environmental reporting, while separate reporting highlights SilkParasite-linked infrastructure targeting Central Asian governments and energy firms. Transport & Regional Links: Kyrgyzstan moved to draft an agreement with Iraq on international road transport, routing freight via Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran. Migration Pressure: A rise in young women leaving Turkmenistan for study and work abroad is reported. Agriculture: Dashoguz velayat is sowing winter wheat with frost- and drought-tolerant varieties, with thousands of hectares already planted.

Central Asia–Korea Push: Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov used the first “Central Asia–Republic of Korea” summit in Seoul to back smart-city digitalization, youth education and science links, and new academic formats like double degrees. Business Deals: The summit’s business track produced dozens of agreements, including Turkmenistan’s push for direct business contacts and practical project support. Cybersecurity Watch: Researchers linked SpiceRAT infrastructure to the broader SilkParasite campaign targeting Central Asian governments and energy firms, raising alarms for telecom and critical services. Migration Trend: Turkmenistan is seeing a rise in young people leaving for study and work abroad, with young women increasingly using student and short-stay visas to move into jobs. Regional Security: Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev told OTS security officials that Türkiye ties strengthen stability, while OTS security council meetings continue in Baku. Tech Training in Ashgabat: The OSCE Centre ran a two-day course on environmental journalism, including hands-on work using AI tools for reporting. Sports: Turkmenistan opened the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand with 4-0 wins in both men’s and women’s first rounds.

Turkmen-Korea Summit Momentum: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov joined the first “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” summit in Seoul, backing a long-term agenda that includes smart cities, digital education, youth and cultural exchanges, and parliamentary diplomacy. Business Deals in Seoul: Turkmenistan also pushed for deeper direct business links at the inaugural six-party business summit, while KOTRA hosted export matchmaking that produced 16 contracts worth about $14m on-site. Logistics and Trade Facilitation: South Korea moved to expand customs cooperation with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan to curb counterfeit goods and improve clearance channels. Digital and AI Cooperation: In Ashgabat, a C5+1 seminar on trusted AI and digitalization focused on cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, data centres, satellite communications and spectrum management. Nuclear Health Focus: Turkmenistan held an IAEA side event on using nuclear science to strengthen healthcare systems, including cancer prevention and treatment. Sports Spotlight: Turkmenistan opened the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand with dominant 4-0 wins in both the men’s and women’s events. Regional Security Talks: Turkic intelligence chiefs met in Kazakhstan to discuss counterterrorism and emerging cyber and AI threats. Russian Duma Voting: Russian citizens in Turkmenistan can vote on Sept. 20 at five polling stations, including in Ashgabat, Turkmenbashy, Turkmenabat, Mary and Dashoguz.

Korea-Central Asia Summit: South Korea and Turkmenistan joined Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in adopting the Seoul Declaration, setting biennial leader summits (next in Astana in 2028) and pushing deeper cooperation on critical minerals, energy, trade, logistics, AI and digital transformation. Turkmen-Korean Business Forum: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov told Korean firms Ashgabat is ready to host technology and investment for transport and logistics, and said 17 Korean-backed investment projects worth over $12bn are already registered in Turkmenistan. Transport Connectivity: A separate push for regional links gained momentum as Azerbaijan floated extending a China–Central Asia route via the Caspian Sea, including through Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. Border Security Tech: At a WCO canine forum in Tashkent, officials argued that trained detection dogs still complement AI-based scanning for customs work. Human Rights Watch: A UN report warned that people cooperating with the UN face intimidation and reprisals, citing cases across 32 states. Press Freedom in Turkmenistan: A freed RFE/RL journalist described torture and solitary confinement after being arrested for photographing a government resort.

Korea-Central Asia Summit: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung opened the inaugural Seoul summit with leaders of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, urging a new 30-year “Silk Road spirit” push focused on critical minerals, energy and supply-chain cooperation. Turkmen-Korea Deals: During Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s Seoul visit and the summit’s sidelines, Turkmenistan and South Korea signed 13 documents, including an investment protection agreement, with projects spanning Karakum Canal modernization, water management, shipbuilding, logistics and AI. Karakum Canal Modernization: Daewoo E&C signed MOUs in Seoul to modernize about a 250-kilometer section of the Karakum Canal, aiming to improve aging water infrastructure and expand into Turkmenistan’s water and environmental construction market. Power Line Talks: Afghanistan and Turkmenistan held technical discussions on a planned 500-kilovolt transmission line tied to the Nur-ul-Jihad substation in Herat, to boost electricity imports. Sports: AFC Champions League Two kicked off with Turkmenistan’s Arkadag beating Bahrain’s Muharraq 1-0. Education & Culture: Turkmenistan’s French Institute opened registration for new French language courses, while an Embassy of India event marked Hindi Day in Ashgabat.

Korea–Turkmenistan Investment Boost: South Korea and Turkmenistan signed an investment promotion and protection agreement in Seoul, offering national treatment and most-favored-nation terms, compensation rules for expropriation, and investor-state dispute settlement—aimed at making it easier for Korean firms to back projects from new city development to shipbuilding and gas, chemical, and fertilizer plants. Summit Deals in Focus: The two leaders also exchanged 13 agreements and MOUs covering energy, infrastructure, security, customs cooperation, water management, chemicals, rail transport, digital cooperation, and youth and legal ties—set ahead of the first Korea–Central Asia summit. Tech Partnership “Ýerli Tor”: A Turkmen–Korean joint venture agreement was signed to build a domestic production base for servers, data storage, and networking equipment, with phased localization and training for Turkmen specialists. Education Ranking Push: Turkmenistan’s education ministry compiled university and teacher rankings using publication quality in international Web of Science and Scopus journals, highlighting growth in Turkmen researchers’ output. Local Diplomacy: A round table in Islamabad discussed the upcoming Halk Maslahaty meeting (Sept. 23), while Hindi Day celebrations in Ashgabat drew diplomats and public figures and highlighted continued Hindi learning cooperation. Sports & Culture: Muharraq begin their AFC Champions League Two campaign against Turkmenistan’s Arkadag, and Turkmen dance “Kushtdepdi” featured in Central Asia independence celebrations in Islamabad. IMF Data Concern: An IMF executive board review said Turkmenistan has not provided key data needed for its work, with another review scheduled in six months.

Turkmen-Korean Summit Boost: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit to South Korea is underway, with Seoul and Ashgabat agreeing to expand cooperation beyond energy into railways, shipbuilding, new city development, water management, forestry, AI, and science—13 deals and MOUs reportedly signed. Humanitarian Thanks: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung publicly thanked Turkmenistan for helping evacuate South Koreans from Iran via land routes earlier this year, calling it a sign of trust. Energy Update: A new gas well (No. 3) has started at the Severny Kukurtli field in Lebap, supplying Darganata etrap and with plans to produce gas condensate. Regional Connectivity Watch: Central Asian rail links are being used to move Chinese goods toward Iran overland, with Turkmenistan included in the route. CIS Chairmanship Prep: Turkmenistan’s preparations for CIS events in Avaza in early October are in the final stage. Weather: Mostly sunny conditions are forecast nationwide, with Ashgabat highs around 30–32°C and brief showers possible.