AGP Executive Report

Customs Modernization: Turkmenistan’s State Customs Service joined a Warsaw seminar on interregional transport connectivity, focusing on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, border control standards, a “Single Window,” eTIR, and digital risk management. Smart Border Tech: In Ashgabat, a WCO-backed regional seminar wrapped up on “Digital Transformation in the Customs Sphere,” covering data integration, risk systems, and AI for analysis and automation, including a tour of Turkmenistan’s Observation and Analysis Center. Water Diplomacy in Avaza: Turkmenistan hosted a second consultative meeting on implementing the UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea Basin, bringing together Central Asian states and UN partners to shape priorities and a regional mechanism for action. Turkmen-Japan Talks: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kenji Yamada, with both sides highlighting energy, transport, chemicals, digitalization, and business ties. OGT 2026 Momentum: Registration is building for Ashgabat’s Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan (21–23 Oct), with 400+ participants and a sold-out expo space. Border Security: Taliban and Turkmen border officials discussed strengthening coordination and security along their shared frontier. Culture & Sports: Turkmen musicians took part in the Tsinandali festival, while Eswatini will face Turkmenistan in the Paralympic chess Olympiad in Samarkand.

Energy diplomacy in focus: Ashgabat’s OGT 2026 is drawing fast-rising international interest, with 400+ participants already registered for the Oct. 21–23 “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan” forum, including 100+ first-time companies and a sold-out expo. Turkmen-Japan ties: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kenji Yamada, with both sides pointing to new cooperation in energy, transport, chemicals and agro-industry, plus technology, digitalization and circular economy. Regional security & trade: CIS Economic Council talks in Ashgabat backed plans for a joint air defense system (funding for 2027) and new measures to strengthen transport security across 2026–2030. Water cooperation: A consultative meeting on UN Aral Sea Basin water diplomacy began in Avaza, aiming to align regional priorities and implementation mechanisms. Border security: Taliban defense officials and Turkmen border commanders discussed strengthening coordination along their shared frontier amid rising cross-border concerns. Culture & business: Turkmen brands showcased at Paris fashion fairs, while Turkmen musicians took part in the Tsinandali classical music festival.

Nuclear Disarmament: Central Asian foreign ministers marked the 20th anniversary of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone treaty, warning that weak arms-control and rising mistrust are straining global security. Regional Security: Taliban defense officials and Turkmen border commanders discussed strengthening coordination along their shared frontier amid concerns over militant activity and cross-border threats. Diplomacy & Trade: Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kenji Yamada, focusing on expanding cooperation in energy, industry, transport, chemicals, and digitalization. CIS Cooperation: CIS states meeting in Ashgabat backed a plan to fund a joint air-defense system starting in 2027 and approved steps to improve transport security across 2026–2030. UN Engagement: Turkmenistan’s MFA met the UN Resident Coordinator to review joint programmes and preparations for upcoming high-level events. Culture & Business: “Turkmen Expo” will organize Turkmenistan’s national pavilion at Poland’s FAST TEXTILE 2026 in November, aiming to connect manufacturers with foreign partners.

Korea-Central Asia Summit: South Korea will host the first Korea-Central Asia Summit in Seoul on Sept. 16, with President Lee Jae-myung meeting leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to set a “Seoul Declaration” and push cooperation on critical minerals, energy, supply chains, customs and security. CIS Chairmanship in focus: Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev in Ashgabat, discussing preparations for CIS top-level meetings in Avaza on Oct. 7 and 9 and how to expand practical cooperation during Turkmenistan’s 2026 CIS chairmanship. Regional connectivity and trade: Afghanistan’s ACCI chief met Turkmenistan’s ambassador in Kabul to explore transit corridors and investment, including plans to attend a Turkmenistan investment forum in Ashgabat this October. Caspian logistics push: A ports meeting involving Aktau, Kuryk, Turkmenbashi and others reviewed faster cargo flows across the Caspian–Black Sea link; preliminary 2026 figures show Baku–Turkmenistan port cargo turnover up 34.6%. UN-backed agriculture and justice: UNDP trained Turkmen irrigation specialists on FAO CROPWAT 8.0 for water-efficient farming, while UNFPA and the Supreme Court ran a CEDAW seminar for gender-sensitive judicial practice. Diplomatic updates: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received new EU ambassador Luc Pierre Devigne and France’s Aléna Grand, signaling continued political dialogue and cooperation.

C5+1 Diplomacy in Ashgabat: The U.S. and Central Asian states met at Ashgabat’s C5+1 Secretariat session, focusing on trade, transport, and critical minerals, with plans for upcoming events and closer links between government agencies and experts. CIS Coordination: Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev in Ashgabat, discussing preparations for CIS foreign ministers and heads-of-state meetings in Awaza on Oct. 7 and 9. EU and France Credentials: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received new EU Ambassador Luc Pierre Devigne and France’s Aléna Grand, stressing expanded trade, energy, and Caspian transport cooperation. Water-Efficient Farming Training: UNDP trained Turkmen specialists on FAO CROPWAT 8.0 to improve irrigation planning under a GEF-backed Aral Sea basin project. Women, Justice, Climate Resilience: UNFPA ran CEDAW-focused training for judiciary and law enforcement, and a roundtable on integrating healthy motherhood and climate resilience into regulatory frameworks. Turkmen Youth in Sports and School Success: Turkmen schoolchildren earned top results at Germany’s Junior Mental Calculation World Championship, while youth boxers won 10 medals in Spain. Regional Trade Routes: Afghan traders in Kandahar are shifting dried-fruit shipments toward India via alternative routes including Iran’s Chabahar and corridors through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

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, plus plans for upcoming events and closer links between government agencies and experts. Public Health & Borders: IOM and partners ran a two-day training in Ashgabat on early detection of health risks at border crossing points, aiming to improve emergency response and information sharing for migrants and host communities. Antimicrobial Resistance: Turkmenistan advanced work on a national guideline for epidemiological surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, bringing together health institutions to refine roles and strengthen monitoring. EU Engagement: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met EU Ambassador Luc Pierre Devigne, discussing expanded trade and investment, energy cooperation, and Caspian transport links to Europe. Environment Oversight: Turkmenistan’s environmental protection work highlighted progress on impact assessments and standards-related recommendations for large numbers of projects. Sports: Turkmen young boxers won 10 medals at an international tournament in Spain, including three golds. Culture & Theatre: New stage premieres include «Howandar» and other autumn productions, with «Howandar» centered on a family’s fight against childhood leukemia.

C5+1 Diplomacy: Ashgabat hosted a C5+1 Secretariat meeting with Central Asian states and the United States, focusing on next steps in critical minerals, trade and transport. UN Human Capital Planning: UNDP launched a pilot phase for a “National Human Capital Strategic Planning System,” linking education, skills and labour-market needs through data-driven forecasting. EU-Turkmenistan Ties: EU Ambassador Luc Pierre Devigne presented letters of credence to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, with both sides highlighting cooperation in connectivity, trade and sustainable development. Landlocked Leadership: Turkmenistan was elected chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for a two-year term starting Jan. 1, 2027, with energy and transport connectivity named a priority. Border Health Preparedness: IOM and partners ran training in Ashgabat on early detection of health risks at border crossing points and better inter-agency response during emergencies. Culture & Theatre: The autumn theatre season brings new premieres, including “Howandar,” about a family facing a child’s leukemia and the search for a donor. Caspian Pressure: A report warns the Caspian Sea keeps shrinking, raising navigation and shipping costs as climate and river inflows shift. Regional Security: Central Asian foreign ministers called for new verifiable arms-control mechanisms as nuclear frameworks weaken.

Security & Diplomacy: Turkmenistan will be among the five Central Asian states at next week’s Korea–Central Asia summit, as South Korea raises its terror alert to “caution” nationwide from Friday and “alert” for Seoul from Sunday, with stronger immigration checks and patrols. Nuclear-Free Zone: Foreign ministers from Central Asia signed a joint statement marking the 20th anniversary of the CANWFZ treaty, urging renewed progress on nuclear disarmament and arms control. CIS in Turkmenbashi: Turkmenistan’s foreign ministry says CIS foreign ministers will meet Oct. 7 in Turkmenbashi, with preparations coordinated under Turkmenistan’s 2026 CIS chairmanship; the CIS heads of state meeting is set for Oct. 9 in Avaza. Middle Corridor Pressure: The shrinking Caspian Sea is already cutting Middle Corridor capacity, with ferries reportedly carrying only about 80% of full loads and ports facing costly dredging and berth work. Trade Facilitation: A cross-Caspian pilot used eTIR for a digital transit from Azerbaijan to Turkmenbashi and onward to Uzbekistan, aiming to speed shipments across multiple borders. Sports & Culture: Turkmen athletes won 11 medals at the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, while Turkmenistan also continues to promote ethnosports and regional cultural ties.

CIS Chairmanship Prep: Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry says a protocol was signed to coordinate preparations for CIS top meetings in Turkmenbashi—Council of Foreign Ministers on Oct 7 and Heads of State on Oct 9 at Avaza, with Vladimir Putin expected to attend. Caspian Corridor Pressure: As Caspian Sea levels fall, the Middle Corridor is getting costlier: one ferry can now carry only 80% of a full load, forcing dredging and possible berth extensions in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Caspian Sustainability Training: Ashgabat hosted the 11th “Caspian Sea – Sustainable Development and Management” course, with UN participation, focusing on marine law and regional cooperation. Landlocked Developing Countries: Turkmenistan was elected Chair of the LLDCs for 2027–2028, tasked with coordinating energy and transport connectivity priorities under the Avaza Action Plan. Health Cooperation: A Turkmen delegation joined a UNFPA-backed regional midwifery conference in Ankara to align maternal and newborn health practices. Road Safety Drive: Final “Young traffic inspectors” competition wrapped up in Ashgabat, training students on traffic rules and first aid.

Landlocked Diplomacy: Turkmenistan was unanimously elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with priorities including energy and transport connectivity and the Avaza Action Plan (2024–2034). Caspian Cooperation: A UN Resident Coordinator in Ashgabat outlined three principles—economic, social and environmental—for sustainable Caspian Sea development as a new training course begins. Biodiversity Update: UNDP and Turkmenistan launched a national workshop to update the country’s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and prepare key UN reports under the CBD. Akhal-Teke Spotlight: Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke horse diplomacy continues in the Netherlands, with the World Championship and beauty contest drawing 25 countries and 100+ horses, including Turkmen participation. Tech for Water and Logistics: Turkmenistan’s research park is pushing AI for smart irrigation, soil monitoring and digital logistics to cut water use and boost yields. Trade and Markets: SCRMET auctions totaled over $38.56m, while Turkmen food processing and dairy expansion are highlighted in “Turkmen at 35” features.

LLDC Leadership: Turkmenistan was unanimously elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, starting Jan. 1, 2027, with Azerbaijan as Vice Chair and a bureau including Laos, Burundi, Chad, Rwanda and Paraguay; priorities include energy and transport connectivity and advancing the Avaza Action Plan. Akhal-Teke Diplomacy: In the Netherlands, the World Equestrian Games and Akhal-Teke horse beauty contest drew 25 countries and 100+ horses, with Turkmenistan’s National Leader attending events and pushing wider international cooperation in horse breeding. Caspian Training in Ashgabat: The 11th “Caspian Sea – Sustainable Development and Management” training course opened in Ashgabat, bringing together specialists from Caspian littoral states and focusing on sustainable use, conservation and maritime law. Road Safety for Kids: The “Young traffic inspectors” final was held at Turkmengas’s children’s health centre in Ashgabat, training 140 students on traffic rules and first aid. Trade & Auctions: SCRMET auctions totaled over $38.56m, with foreign-currency purchases including Portland cement and heating oil, while domestic sales topped 140.3m manats. Sports Roundup: Kyrgyzstan won the VI World Nomad Games medal table; Turkmenistan finished with 11 medals.

Climate Warning: A new UN assessment says the world will soon pass the 1.5°C warming threshold, forcing Central Asia to plan for tougher, harder-to-avoid impacts on water, food and livelihoods. Akhal-Teke Diplomacy: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov attended the World Equestrian Championship and Akhal-Teke beauty contest in the Netherlands, with 100+ horses from 25 countries, and backed further international cooperation in Akhal-Teke breeding and sport. High-Level Talks (Netherlands): In Düsseldorf and The Hague, Berdimuhamedov and Turkmen FM Rashid Meredov met German and Dutch officials to expand ties in healthcare, agriculture, shipbuilding, innovative tech and methane emissions reduction. Transport & Neutrality: Turkmenistan was elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with energy and transport connectivity set as priorities. Sports (Nomad Games): Kyrgyzstan topped the VI World Nomad Games medal table; Turkmenistan finished with 11 medals, including podium finishes in gulesh and national wrestling. Football (AFC U20): Iraq booked its 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup spot after beating Thailand 3-1, with Turkmenistan also in the qualifying mix.

Catholic Mission in Turkmenistan: Fr. Andrzej Madej marks 30 years in Turkmenistan, building a small Catholic community from scratch through everyday respect, tea-table conversations, and witness in daily life. AFC U20 Qualification: Iraq booked a spot in the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup by beating hosts Thailand 3-1 in the final Group F match, after earlier results including a 2-1 loss to Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan–Iraq Sports Links: The same U20 qualifying run keeps Turkmenistan in the spotlight as Iraq’s campaign unfolded across the group. Green Library Win: Istanbul’s Rami Library won IFLA’s 2026 Green Library Awards for turning a historic barracks into climate-resilient urban commons. Turkmenistan Methane Fixes: UN-linked reporting says Turkmenistan is repairing major methane leaks, with upgrades tied to plugging large emissions and improving energy infrastructure. Diplomacy in The Hague: Turkmenistan’s foreign minister met Dutch officials to discuss shipbuilding, healthcare, innovative tech, and methane-emissions reduction, alongside deeper political dialogue. LLDC Leadership: Turkmenistan was elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with energy and transport connectivity flagged as priorities. Local Football Round-Up: Arkadag beat Shagadam 3-0, Merv edged Ashgabat 3-2, and Kopetdag drew Nebitçi 2-2.

Central Asia’s Route Shift: A new push to trade around Russia is accelerating, with Kazakhstan backing the Middle Corridor and the World Bank approving rail support—while the bigger question is whether Central Asian states can balance partners like China, Turkey, and the EU on their own terms. Iran Railways Denies Disruption Claims: Iran’s rail operator says rumors of halted freight links between Iran, China, and Russia—linked to U.S. sanctions—are false, pointing to continued connectivity via border crossings. Turkmenistan–Netherlands Talks: In The Hague, Turkmen FM Rashid Meredov met Dutch adviser Christoffer Jonker, focusing on shipbuilding, healthcare, innovative tech, and methane-emissions reduction, plus deeper political dialogue. Turkmenistan Leads Landlocked Nations: Turkmenistan was elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with energy and transport connectivity set as priorities. Methane Under Scrutiny: UN-linked reporting says Turkmenistan has started repairing major methane leaks, with upgrades tied to broader gas-infrastructure efforts. Sports & Culture: Turkmen clubs played in the national league; and Turkmen athletes head to the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.

Transport Diplomacy: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov used a public lesson in Arkadag to stress Turkmenistan’s role in Silk Road-style transport corridors and its push for UN-backed sustainable transport initiatives. Foreign Relations: In The Hague, Turkmen FM Rashid Meredov met the Netherlands’ Christoffer Jonker, discussing deeper political ties and Dutch business interest in shipbuilding, healthcare, innovative tech and methane cuts. International Leadership: Turkmenistan was elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with energy and transport connectivity flagged as priorities. Armenia Ties & COP17: Serdar Berdimuhamedov accepted Nikol Pashinyan’s invitation to attend Armenia’s COP17 Leaders’ Summit in October, with trade and environmental cooperation on the agenda. Environment & Energy: Turkmenistan is preparing for a Manila conference on ending violence against children, while separate coverage highlights ongoing methane leak repair efforts under UN monitoring. Sports: Turkmenistan’s clubs saw Arkadag beat Shagadam 3–0, Merv edge Ashgabat 3–2, and Kopetdag draw Nebitçi 2–2.

Turkmenistan Prepares for Manila Child-Violence Talks: In Ashgabat, UNICEF and Turkmen officials held a first technical consultation for the Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, mapping priorities from family support to child-friendly justice and stronger coordination. Methane Leak Fixes in Focus: UN-linked reporting says Turkmenistan has been repairing major methane mega-leaks, with satellite alerts and follow-up actions cited as a “first step” toward cleaner gas infrastructure. Armenia-Turkmenistan Diplomatic Push: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov accepted an invitation from Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan to attend Armenia’s COP17 Leaders’ Summit, with both sides stressing expanded trade and economic ties. Energy-Efficient Building Capacity: UNDP and GEF seminars in Ashgabat trained architects and students on near-zero energy, green building standards and certification pathways. Sports and Culture: Turkmenistan’s chess team is set for the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, while Turkmen equestrian and tennis cooperation continues to build international links. Youth and Education Messaging: Hero-Arkadag’s public lessons in Arkadag highlighted science, digitalization, patriotism, and the “Smart Society” idea, urging young people to drive innovation.