AGP Executive Report

U.S.-Turkmen Ties: Kristin Hawkins took over as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim in Ashgabat, meeting Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov to reaffirm cooperation across diplomacy, trade, and culture. Non-Proliferation & Security: An OSCE workshop in Ashgabat backed Turkmenistan’s work on its national Action Plan for UNSC Resolution 1540 (2004) on WMD non-proliferation. Energy & Industry: NEW JCM won a major Turkmengaz tender to maintain eight DG-90L2 gas turbines across two compressor stations, aiming to restore performance and cut downtime. Science & Innovation: Turkmen scientists are running state programs across 586 research topics, including new pharmaceutical preparations and environmentally safer pesticide tech. Finance Watch: Fitch affirmed Turkmenistan’s ‘BB-’ long-term foreign-currency rating with a stable outlook, citing strong external reserves and gas-sector expansion. Sports & Education: Turkmen schoolchildren won medals at the IMO in Shanghai, while the national tennis team begins Davis Cup zonal play in Sri Lanka. Connectivity & Logistics: Turkmenistan discussed pilot e-TIR freight shipments with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, and My Freighter plans daily cargo flights from Liege to Central Asia from August. Regional Environment: Research says climate change is the main driver of Caspian Sea shrinkage, with human water use a factor but not the top one.

U.S.-Turkmen ties: Kristin Hawkins took over as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim in Ashgabat, meeting Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov to reaffirm cooperation across political, trade-economic and cultural spheres. Education & skills: Students and lecturers from Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University are in Malaysia for a training internship at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, focused on new oil-and-gas technologies and digital tools. Logistics push: Turkmenistan is among early regional users of the digital e-TIR system, with a pilot freight shipment discussed for road transit via Turkmenbashi Seaport. Regional environment cooperation: CAREC’s Turkmenistan office met Kazakhstan’s CAIER to plan long-term work on sustainable water management, climate adaptation and environmental protection. Energy & climate: A researcher says Caspian Sea shrinkage is driven more by climate change than dams and water policy. Sports & youth: Turkmen tennis players begin Davis Cup zonal qualifying in Sri Lanka, while schoolchildren won one silver and three bronze medals at the IMO in Shanghai.

Central Asia–China Ecology Talks: Turkmen scientists joined a “Dialogue Mechanism” meeting in Urumqi, focusing on desertification, dust storms, land degradation and glacier melt, with calls for joint reforestation, shared hydrometeorological data and coordinated disaster response. UN Partnership Update: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met new UN Resident Coordinator Xiaojun Grace Wang, with cooperation set around people-centered development, tech for sustainability (including Ashgabat’s climate technology work), stronger data systems for SDGs, and broader UN support for national priorities. Turkmen Activists’ Case: Human Rights Watch urged Turkey to intensify its investigation into the disappearance of Turkmen bloggers Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov, missing since July 24, 2025, raising fears they may have been unlawfully transferred. Trade & Transit Signals: A direct Beijing–Herat cargo rail run via Turkmenistan and Iran was completed, cutting delivery times and costs and boosting the Haf–Herat corridor toward commercial operation. Culture & Education: Gwangju hosted a Silk Road “Arirang” festival ahead of a Central Asia–Korea summit, while Turkmen agricultural university lecturers published new veterinary and animal husbandry safety textbooks.

UN Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met UN Resident Coordinator Xiaojun Grace Wang to discuss UN cooperation, SDG reporting and the “Turkmenistan–UN” Strategic Advisory Council, while the President also received Wang with thanks for UN support and reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s UN-recognized permanent neutrality. Regional Security & Peace: Meredov also met the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for preventive diplomacy in Central Asia, stressing the Centre’s role in confidence-building, dialogue and joint peace-and-development initiatives. Energy & Exports: Turkmenistan secured a new commercial flow of sulfur-free natural gas from the Yylan field (Mary province), with production exceeding 700,000 cubic meters per day and plans to boost capacity for export. Climate Cooperation: The government advanced proposals to set up regional climate and desertification centers, including an interagency commission and an “Ashgabat Climate Dialogue” to institutionalize cooperation. Trade & Logistics: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions recorded over $369,000 in transactions, including foreign-currency purchases of liquefied gas by Afghan businesses and domestic sales of polypropylene and cotton products. Education & Youth: Turkmen schoolchildren won four medals (1 silver, 3 bronze) at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad in Tashkent. Sports: Turkmenistan’s youth also featured in international events, including a chess tournament for the diplomatic corps in Ashgabat.

UN Diplomacy: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met the newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator, Xiaojun Grace Wang, as she presented credentials and discussed UN cooperation priorities, including SDG work and the “Turkmenistan–UN” Strategic Advisory Council. Foreign Policy: Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov also met Wang, focusing on the 2026–2030 Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and preparations for Turkmenistan’s Voluntary National Review. Energy Update: Turkmenistan secured a new commercial flow of sulfur-free gas at Mary’s Yylan field (well No. 04), with output reported above 700,000 cubic meters per day. Climate & Environment: The government outlined steps to speed up regional climate and desertification centers, including an interagency commission and an “Ashgabat Climate Dialogue.” Education & Youth: Turkmen schoolchildren won four medals at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad in Tashkent (1 silver, 3 bronze). Sports: Turkmenistan’s youth football team featured in the Gothia Cup story, where India’s campaign included a 6–0 loss to Turkmenistan. Regional Culture: The Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in Georgia wrapped up in Tbilisi with museum talks and a closing concert. Governance & Oversight: Turkmenistan’s UNESCO National Commission held a meeting reviewing first-half 2026 work and expanding cooperation with ICESCO.

Turkmenistan–Georgia Diplomacy: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wrapped high-level talks in Tbilisi with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, spotlighting transport and energy cooperation, including the Lapis Lazuli corridor. Caspian Governance: Ashgabat held the 65th Interdepartmental Commission meeting on Caspian Sea issues, reviewing Jan–Jun work, preparations for the October Caspian Environmental Summit in Avaza, and plans for Caspian Sea Day. Energy Update: TDH reports a new commercial flow of sulfur-free gas from production well No. 04 at the Yylan field in Mary province, exceeding 700,000 cubic meters per day. Climate Push: Cabinet ministers backed proposals to speed up regional climate and desertification centers, including an interagency commission and an “Ashgabat Climate Dialogue.” International Culture: Turkmenistan’s Days of Culture in Georgia closed in Tbilisi with museum cooperation and a concert. Human Rights Watch: A year has passed since Turkmen activists Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov disappeared in Türkiye, with families still seeking answers. Regional Spotlight: A new sulfur-free gas flow and Caspian environmental planning underline Turkmenistan’s push to strengthen energy exports and environmental commitments.

Logistics & Investment: Turkmenistan’s logistics shift is being packaged for investors in a new “Strategic Intelligence Brief” (SIB-003), mapping commercial opportunities around cold-chain, bonded warehousing, fleet maintenance, and digital logistics. Energy Update: TDH reports a new sulfur-free gas flow secured at Mary province’s Yylan field (well No. 04), with output above 700,000 cubic meters per day and plans to boost capacity. Climate Policy: Cabinet proposals would set up an interagency commission, an “Ashgabat Climate Dialogue,” and action plans to create a Regional Center for Climate Technologies and a Regional Center for Combatting Desertification. Diplomacy in Washington: Turkmenistan’s embassy held independence-focused events with U.S. officials and scholars, highlighting expanded cooperation across political, economic, educational, cultural, and humanitarian tracks. Regional Water Cooperation: South Korea will host a “Smart Water Management in Central Asia” training program (July 20–24) with UNESCO-linked support; Turkmenistan will send five water specialists. Sports & Culture: Ashgabat hosted a chess tournament for diplomatic missions at the French Institute, while Turkmenistan’s gifted children competition “Garaşsyzlygyň Merjen Däneleri” advanced to its final preparations. Agriculture: Grain output rose 11.6% in H1 2026, alongside gains in vegetables, melons, potatoes, and milk.

Children & Culture: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired a Cabinet meeting on preparations for the final round of the children’s creative contest “Garaşsyzlygyň Merjen Däneleri,” with 21 solo performers and 14 dance/creative groups set to compete, as the state leader stressed continued support for modern education and young talent. Climate Diplomacy: Turkmenistan outlined new steps for international climate cooperation, including an interdepartmental commission, the “Ashgabat Climate Dialogue,” and action plans for regional climate technology and desertification centers. State Insurance Reform: The government is modernising compulsory state insurance, preparing a draft Regulation on State Insurance after November 2025 legal amendments, with instructions to further optimise and legally regulate the system. Energy Forum OGT 2026: John Defterios has been named Anchor and Lead International Moderator for OGT 2026 in Ashgabat (21–23 October), as registrations rise and exhibition space is fully sold out. Agriculture Push: Turkmenistan reported grain output up 11.6% in H1 2026, alongside gains in vegetables (+12.8%), melons/gourds (+3.3%), potatoes (+4.2%), and a slight rise in milk (+0.3%). Health (One Health): WHO and FAO trained Turkmen specialists to prevent, diagnose, and control echinococcosis using a coordinated One Health approach across human and animal health sectors. Terrorism Security: A Moscow meeting on counter-terrorism supply networks highlighted regional joint operations, including seizures of weapons, explosives, and drugs, and prevention of attacks. Turkmenistan–Georgia Ties: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit to Georgia concluded with a package of agreements, including media cooperation, and a push to expand transport and energy links via corridors like Lapis Lazuli and the Middle Corridor.

Turkmenistan–Georgia State Visit Wrap-Up: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s trip to Tbilisi ended with one-on-one and expanded talks, a package of bilateral documents, and memorandums—while both sides reiterated support for neutrality and territorial integrity. Transport & Energy Corridors: Leaders put the spotlight on connectivity, including the Lapis Lazuli route and plans for Turkmenistan’s cargo terminal on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, alongside broader Middle Corridor and TRACECA cooperation. Media Cooperation: A memorandum was signed between Turkmenistan’s “Golden age” and Georgia’s “Europe 24” to exchange news materials and deepen information ties. Public Health (One Health): WHO and FAO trained Turkmen specialists to prevent, diagnose, and control echinococcosis, linking human and animal health. Migration Governance: IOM ran a three-day capacity-building training in Ashgabat on migration policy planning and SDG indicators ahead of Turkmenistan’s Third Voluntary National Review. Agriculture Update: Government data says grain output rose 11.6% in H1 2026, with vegetables up 12.8% and potatoes up 4.2%. International Energy Forum: Former CNN anchor John Defterios was named lead international moderator for OGT 2026 in Ashgabat (Oct 21–23).

Turkmenistan–Georgia State Visit Wrap-Up: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s trip to Tbilisi concluded with meetings and signed memorandums, as both sides pledged to deepen political, trade, and cultural ties. Transport & Transit Push: The leaders put connectivity front and center, backing TRACECA and the Lapis Lazuli corridor and discussing port cooperation across the Caspian and Black Seas, including plans for a Turkmen cargo terminal on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. Business Forum Highlights Highway Project: At the Turkmen-Georgian Business Forum, “Ojar Aziýa” showcased the Sarakhs–Mary–Serhetabat highway project, aligning with talks on expanding the Middle Corridor. Public Health Cooperation: WHO and FAO trained Turkmen specialists on preventing and controlling echinococcosis using a One Health approach, while IOM supported migration governance capacity-building in Ashgabat. Energy Forum Momentum: OGT 2026 in Ashgabat (Oct. 21–23) will feature John Defterios as lead international moderator, signaling growing global attention on Central Asia’s energy agenda. Climate & Heritage: Turkmenistan launched a digital field workshop to preserve the ancient Dandanakan mosque ruins at Ancient Merv, amid climate and desertification threats.

Turkmenistan–Georgia State Visit: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wrapped up a landmark visit to Georgia, with leaders signing joint statements, cooperation agreements and memorandums, and repeatedly pointing to trade growth (up 26% last year to over $100 million) and deeper ties across transport, logistics, energy, telecoms, textiles and construction. Black Sea–Caspian Transit Push: The talks centered on using Black and Caspian port infrastructure and expanding TRACECA and the Lapis Lazuli corridor, including negotiations on a Turkmen cargo terminal on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. EU Security Dialogue: Turkmen Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov told the EU–Central Asia high-level political and security dialogue that long-term security can’t be achieved by force alone, stressing diplomacy, confidence-building and UN-led mechanisms. Regional Heatwave: Central Asia is baking under record temperatures, with Turkmenistan reported at about +47.8°C. Heritage Protection: Turkmenistan launched a digital-tech workshop to help preserve the ancient Dandanakan mosque ruins at the Ancient Merv reserve, citing climate and desertification threats. Iran–Rail Disruption Claims: Iran says trains resumed after a reported strike on a railway bridge tied to the Turkmenistan corridor. Education & Grants: Green University announced 50 grants for students from Turkic states, including Turkmenistan. Sports & Culture: Days of Turkmenistan culture opened in Tbilisi alongside the presidential visit.

Turkmen–Georgia State Visit: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has departed for Georgia, with Tbilisi calling the trip a major step in ties built on mutual respect and neutrality. Middle Corridor & TRACECA: Leaders focused on expanding the Middle Corridor and using Black Sea and Caspian port infrastructure, including TRACECA and the Lapis Lazuli route, to boost regional transit. Trade Push: Georgia’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze said bilateral trade rose 26% last year to over $100 million, and both sides want more private-sector deals. Business Forum Deals: A Georgia–Turkmenistan business forum in Tbilisi highlighted logistics, energy, textiles, construction and university cooperation, with memorandums signed during the visit. EU–Central Asia Security Dialogue: Turkmen Deputy FM Ahmet Gurbanov told the EU that long-term security can’t rely on force alone and should be grounded in diplomacy, confidence-building and UN-led multilateralism. Cultural & Heritage Work: Turkmenistan launched a high-tech workshop to preserve the ancient Dandanakan mosque ruins at the Ancient Merv reserve, training young specialists with EU and ALIPH support. Education & Grants: Green University announced 50 grants for students from Turkic states, while Turkmen students from Magtymguly State University won prizes in an international Russian-language olympiad.

Turkmen-Georgia State Visit: President Serdar Berdimuhamedow arrived in Tbilisi for a landmark first state visit, holding talks with Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on expanding trade, investment, energy, transport and logistics, with a focus on boosting the Middle Corridor and Black Sea port opportunities. Business Forum Boost: A Georgia–Turkmenistan business forum in Tbilisi drew 50+ Turkmen firms; Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze said trade topped $100 million in 2025 and rose 26%, while Georgia highlighted faster, more competitive transit links. Middle Corridor Logistics: Georgian officials stressed growth in container and rail cargo flows via the corridor, including Baku–Tbilisi–Kars, and discussed integrating Turkmenbashi Seaport with Poti to strengthen a Caspian–Black Sea route. Diplomacy Abroad: Turkmenistan’s ambassador in Qatar hosted a farewell dinner for outgoing diplomats from Kazakhstan and Türkiye. Domestic Policy: The Halk Maslahaty preparations kicked off for a Sept. 23 meeting in Ashgabat, alongside instructions on social policy priorities and organized state awards. Agriculture Exports: Turkmen farmers plan to export cherries to CIS markets for the first time, after scaling up production near Kopetdag.

Turkmen-Georgia Summit: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Georgia for high-level talks with President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, with cooperation expected to focus on trade, energy, transport and logistics, including the Middle Corridor. Business Push: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze said Turkmenistan-Georgia trade topped $100 million last year and is growing, urging new business ties through the Georgian-Turkmen Business Forum. People’s Council Date: Turkmenistan’s Halk Maslahaty is set for 23 September 2026 in Ashgabat, with preparations tied to the 35th independence anniversary. UN SDG Work: Turkmenistan says it has integrated 85% of SDGs into national programmes, reporting 131 targets and 175 indicators at the UN ECOSOC forum. Palestine Contacts: Turkmenistan’s foreign ministry met the Palestinian ambassador to discuss political dialogue, planned elections, and joint cultural and humanitarian events. Darvaza Update: Reports say the “Door to Hell” gas crater flames have weakened, as authorities try to reduce the gas flow feeding it. Regional Outreach: Turkmenistan is expanding engagement with ASEAN via talks in Jakarta, including energy and tourism cooperation with Malaysia.

TRIPP+ Trade Corridor: The U.S. State Department has confirmed Konstantin Sokolov, a Russian-born Chicago investor, as chairman of the new TRIPP+ Enterprise Fund, a $201m vehicle meant to back transport, energy infrastructure and critical minerals across the South Caucasus and Central Asia, including Turkmenistan. U.S. Immigration Push: Rep. Nancy Mace introduced the “Third World Immigration Moratorium Act,” proposing entry bans for people from 39 countries, with Turkmenistan listed among them. Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan Ties: In Ashgabat, Turkmen and Uzbek foreign ministers signed agreements on international information security and set a 2027–2028 cooperation program, alongside broader political consultations and plans for regional events. SDG Progress: Turkmenistan says it has integrated 85% of Sustainable Development Goals into national programmes, while UN partners held a technical meeting to close SDG reporting gaps ahead of a future Voluntary National Review. Border Connectivity Crackdown: In Dashoguz border areas, police have been inspecting households using Uzbek SIM cards and confiscating them, citing weak local telecom service as the main driver for residents. Regional Outreach: Turkmenistan is stepping up engagement with Southeast Asia via ASEAN talks in Jakarta and new Malaysia-linked tourism cooperation, including a “Tourism Malaysia” seminar in Ashgabat. Energy and Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s president is set to visit Georgia on July 16, with leaders expected to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation and the regional agenda.

Turkmen-Uzbek Diplomacy: In Ashgabat, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov as political consultations and talks on trade, transport, logistics, energy, industry, and cultural ties continued, with both sides also flagging preparations for major CIS events in Avaza. Border Communications Crackdown: Turkmen authorities have launched raids in Dashoguz Province targeting residents using Uzbek SIM cards, confiscating devices and warning that foreign telecom use could be treated as espionage, as locals say Turkmen mobile internet is weak or unreliable near the border. Regional Connectivity Push: China’s Belt and Road momentum is building westward with Central Asia, while freight volumes rise along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. High-Level SDG Work: Turkmenistan is participating in the UN ECOSOC High-level Political Forum in New York, stressing SDG implementation progress and peace as a prerequisite for sustainable development, alongside a UN-backed technical meeting to close SDG reporting gaps. Energy Corridor Funding: The U.S. State Department’s TRIPP+ fund—aimed at investing over $200m in transport, energy infrastructure, and critical minerals across South Caucasus and Central Asia—has a new chair, Konstantin Sokolov, a donor with no prior public office. International Engagement: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov will visit Georgia on July 16 for talks with Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili. Education Abroad: A Turkmen student, Chynar Garlyyeva, is taking part in a DAAD summer program in Germany focused on intensive language training and engineering-focused study.