AGP Executive Report

Turkmenistan Digital Trade Boost: Turkmenistan’s State Customs Service has added an AI assistant to its Single Window for export-import, helping users pick HS commodity codes, estimate duty rates, and check needed permits, with real-time trilingual support (Turkmen, Russian, English) to speed clearance and improve trade reporting. UN SDG Financing Talks: In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan and UN partners held a “Hard Talk” and a 14th Joint Expert Group meeting focused on strengthening SDG financing via better public finance systems and integrated national financing approaches. Regional Finance Leadership: The EBRD named Nodira Mansurova as its new regional head for Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, taking over on Sept. 1, 2026, with the bank’s Turkmen portfolio focused mainly on private business and financial-sector work. Foreign Tourism Eases: Turkmenistan has started gradually relaxing rules for foreign visitors, with reports of faster visa processing and fewer restrictions on photography and movement than earlier guidance suggested. Human Rights Pressure: Rights groups say Turkmenistan’s cotton sector still shows signs of forced labor and child labor, citing new findings that public employees and conscripts are again being mobilized during harvest. World Bicycle Day: Turkmenistan marked 3 June with events tied to its UN-backed “World Bicycle Day” initiative, highlighting sports diplomacy and environmental themes.

SDG Financing Talks: Ashgabat hosted a “Hard Talk” and a 14th Joint Expert Group meeting with UN partners on strengthening Sustainable Development Goal financing, focusing on better public finance systems, strategic budgeting, and an Integrated National Financing Framework to align national priorities with development funding. Customs Digital Upgrade: Turkmenistan’s State Customs Service rolled out an AI assistant inside its Single Window for Export-Import Operations portal, helping users classify goods (HS codes), check permits, estimate customs duties, and speed up clearance with trilingual support. EBRD Leadership Change: The EBRD named Nodira Mansurova as its new Regional Head for the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, based in Bishkek and starting 1 September 2026. Foreign Tourism Easing: Turkmenistan has begun gradually relaxing restrictions for foreign visitors, with reports of faster visas and fewer limits on taking photos in public. World Bicycle Day Diplomacy: On 3 June, Turkmenistan marked World Bicycle Day with events at diplomatic missions abroad, linking sport and environmental awareness to the country’s UN-backed initiative. Human Rights Watch: A new monitoring update says Turkmenistan’s media and internet controls remain highly restrictive, including reports of crackdowns on tools used to bypass censorship. Cotton Forced-Labour Concerns: Rights groups again allege forced labour persists in the cotton harvest, citing mobilization of public workers and child labour figures.

Digital Rights Under Pressure: International groups say Turkmenistan’s media and internet controls are tightening, including reports of crackdowns on tools used to bypass censorship and new monitoring-focused infrastructure. Children’s Day Spotlight: Ashgabat and other cities staged major International Children’s Day events with UN partners and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov charity fund, including activities for children with disabilities. Tourism Easing, Slowly: Turkmenistan has begun gradually relaxing rules for foreign visitors, with faster visa processing and fewer on-the-ground restrictions reported by tour operators. Cotton Forced-Labour Claims: A new report alleges forced labour and child labour persist in the cotton harvest, citing mobilization of public workers and conscripts and linking participation to coercion or payments. Energy Diplomacy & Exports: US officials discussed expanding Turkmenistan’s gas cooperation, while Turkmenistan’s China-linked Galkynysh expansion and broader pipeline talks keep export routes central. Regional Security Role: Ashgabat is pushing to host a UN counter-terrorism program office to support Central Asian coordination. Sports & Youth Tech: Robotics competitions in Mary and chess training for Turkmen athletes in Kazakhstan highlight youth development alongside ongoing state-backed events.

Trans-Caspian Gas Push: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed the long-discussed Trans-Caspian gas pipeline idea in talks with Turkmenistan’s top diplomat Rashid Meredov, signaling Washington’s support for diversifying Turkmen gas exports beyond China. Quiet Diplomacy Spotlight: A new look at Ashgabat’s approach highlights dense, steady engagement across Washington and the UN, including a neutrality-focused UN General Assembly push and plans for a regional UN counter-terrorism program office in Ashgabat. UN Leadership Change: UN Acting Resident Coordinator Igor Garafulic ends his Azerbaijan tenure and will move to Brazil; UN mission head Dmitry Shlapachenko is appointed as the new UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. Climate Education in Turkmenbashi: UNDP and the NGO “Yash Tebigatchy” ran a youth climate and marine litter awareness session tied to Caspian Sea protection efforts. Gas Ties With China: Turkmenistan and China reviewed expanding strategic energy cooperation, including Turkmengaz priorities for pipeline systems, drilling and gas processing equipment, and the Galkynysh fourth-phase push. Counter-Terrorism Role: Turkmenistan is advancing plans to host a UN Office of Counter-Terrorism regional program office to support Central Asia capacity-building. Children’s Day in Ashgabat: International Children’s Day events brought together UN agencies, UNICEF, and Turkmen state bodies, with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressing children’s rights and development.

Turkmenistan–China Energy: Talks in New York between Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Chinese FM Wang Yi focused on expanding gas cooperation, with Turkmengaz highlighting pipeline and drilling equipment, gas treatment tech, and large-diameter pipeline needs as the Galkynysh fourth phase ramps up toward up to 10 bcm/year. UN Counter-Terrorism Role: Ashgabat is pushing to host a UN Office of Counter-Terrorism program office in the country, framed as a regional analytical and expert platform to tackle online radicalization and cross-border security risks. Turkmenistan–Pakistan Connectivity: Meredov met Pakistan’s FM Mohammad Ishaq Dar to review bilateral ties and progress on the TAPI gas pipeline, the TAP power transmission project, and fiber-optic infrastructure along the corridor. Diplomacy & Culture: Turkmenistan marked International Children’s Day with a nationwide program in Ashgabat featuring UN agencies and UNICEF, while a “Journey to Europe” festival in the capital promoted EU–Turkmen cultural cooperation. Sports & Community: Turkmenistan’s chess team trained in Kazakhstan ahead of the World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, and World Bicycle Day celebrations in Bucharest highlighted Turkmenistan’s UN-backed push for cycling in public transport.

Turkmenistan–Pakistan Energy Talks: Foreign ministers Rashid Meredov and Mohammad Ishaq Dar met in New York to review bilateral ties and push ahead on regional projects, including the TAPI gas pipeline and the TAP power transmission plan, plus fiber-optic connectivity along the corridor. US–Turkmenistan Energy Security: Marco Rubio met Meredov at the White House, with both sides stressing trade, transport and communications, and reiterating US support for diversifying Turkmen gas exports via the Trans Caspian direction. UN Diplomacy in Washington: Meredov also met US Secretary of State Rubio and discussed cooperation under the C5+1 format, regional security and countering threats. International Children’s Day Message: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov marked 1 June with a call to protect children’s rights and expand education and youth development across Ashgabat, Arkadag and the regions. Turkmen Carpet Day in Ashgabat: Large-scale celebrations featured a national museum exhibition and events tied to the World Association of Turkmen Carpet Connoisseurs. Business & Industry Spotlight: nCa released a Turkmenistan iodine industry report saying output is about 500–525 metric tons annually, but value-chain participation remains limited to low-margin technical-grade sales.

Afghanistan-Russia Ties: Russia and the Taliban government in Afghanistan signed a military-technical cooperation deal, with Moscow stressing a “full-fledged partnership” and pointing to security concerns along the borders with Central Asia, including Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan–US Energy Diplomacy: In Washington, Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with both sides highlighting energy security and backing diversification of Turkmen gas export routes, including the Trans-Caspian direction. Turkmenistan–Pakistan Cooperation: Meredov and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar discussed a new push on bilateral initiatives, spotlighting TAPI and plans for electricity and fiber-optic links along the corridor. Human Rights Pressure on EU: Rights groups urged the EU to link deeper engagement with Turkmenistan to measurable human-rights progress ahead of the June 22 Human Rights Dialogue in Ashgabat. Turkmen Culture Spotlight: Turkmen Carpet Day celebrations drew attention in Ashgabat, while Kurban Bayramy festivities continued across the country. Business & Tech: A Turkmen electronics firm agreed with Eswatini to launch production of secure ID cards and biometric passports, including ICAO/EU-standard documents. Sports: Turkmen freestyle wrestlers won four medals at the Asian U23 championships, including a first-time gold for Alp Arslan Begenjov.

US–Turkmen Energy Talks: Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, with both sides stressing deeper cooperation on trade, energy security, and transport links, including support for diversifying Turkmen gas exports via the Trans Caspian direction. Regional Diplomacy: Meredov also held talks with Pakistan’s FM Mohammad Ishaq Dar on UN sidelines, agreeing to expand bilateral economic and infrastructure initiatives, including TAPI and corridor fiber-optic plans. UN Counter-Terrorism & Neutrality: In the US, Meredov met UN Counter-Terrorism chief Alexander Zuev, focusing on implementing a May 20 UNGA resolution recognizing Turkmenistan’s neutrality and discussing Ashgabat’s preventive diplomacy proposals. Human Rights Pressure: Rights groups urged the EU to tie closer relations with Turkmenistan to measurable human-rights progress ahead of an EU–Turkmenistan dialogue in Ashgabat on June 22. Religious Freedom Watch: The outgoing US religious freedom commissioner warned the global crisis is worsening, listing Turkmenistan among countries flagged for severe abuses. Business & Industry Abroad: Turkmen electronics producer Aýdyň Gijeler agreed with Eswatini to supply secure ID cards and biometric passports, including production on allocated land. Sports: Turkmen freestyle wrestlers won four medals at the Asian U23 championships, including a first-time gold for Alp Arslan Begenjov.

US–Turkmen Diplomacy: Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House, with both sides focusing on energy and transport links, regional security, and regular high-level dialogue. Energy Exports: The US reiterated support for Turkmen gas exports via the Trans Caspian direction, aimed at diversifying routes to world markets. UN Counter-Terrorism: Meredov also met UN Counter-Terrorism Office head Alexander Zuev, tying Turkmenistan’s neutrality agenda to practical steps and new preventive-diplomacy ideas. Global Governance: At UN events in New York, Turkmenistan backed a multilateral preventive-governance platform and pushed for declaring 2028 the Year of International Law, while China’s Wang Yi called for UN reform and AI governance rules. Pakistan Talks: On UN sidelines, Meredov met Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar to expand cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, and regional connectivity. Lebap Industry: Turkmenistan’s Lebap region more than doubled LPG output in the first four months of 2026, reaching over 30,000 tons. Human Rights Pressure: Rights groups urged the EU to link deeper ties with measurable human-rights progress ahead of the EU–Turkmenistan Human Rights Dialogue on June 22. Sports & Culture: Turkmen wrestlers won four medals at the Asian U23 championships, while Ashgabat hosted cultural activity around the Melikhov Spring theatre festival.

Gurban Bayramy: Turkmenistan marked Kurban Bayramy with prayers and public celebrations across Ashgabat and Arkadag, including National Leader Hajy Arkadag’s festive religious rites and a visit to the Arkadag mosque construction site. Diplomacy & UN neutrality: Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met UN counter-terrorism chief Alexander Zuev in the US, focusing on a May 20 UNGA resolution recognizing Turkmenistan’s neutrality, alongside Ashgabat’s preventive-diplomacy proposals. Global governance push: Turkmenistan backed a multilateral “preventive governance” platform and urged declaring 2028 the Year of International Law during UN meetings in New York, while China’s Wang Yi called for UN reform and AI governance rules. Human rights pressure: Rights groups urged the EU to tie deeper Turkmenistan ties to measurable human-rights progress ahead of an EU-Ashgabat dialogue on June 22. Cotton forced labor risk: New reporting says state-linked cotton mobilization still relies on quotas and coercion, putting global brands at reputational risk. Sports: AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers drew groups, with Turkmenistan set to face UAE in one group and other Central Asian teams learning their opponents. Energy & industry: Lebap LPG output more than doubled in early 2026, while Turkmenistan-UNDP talks outlined a 2026–2030 programme for digital services, climate action, and healthcare modernization.

UN Diplomacy: Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met UNGA President Annalena Baerbock in New York, highlighting Ashgabat’s SDG progress and preventive diplomacy, including the push to declare 2028 the International Year of Law. Global Governance: Turkmenistan also joined the UN “Group of Friends of Global Governance,” backing preventive governance and international law initiatives, while China’s Wang Yi urged UN reform and AI governance rules. UNDP Cooperation: Meredov met UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo to map the 2026–2030 UNDP country programme, focusing on digital public services, healthcare resilience, climate action, and social modernization. Bilateral Talks: Meredov held meetings with Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar on trade, energy, agriculture and transit links, and with the US on preparations for a Turkmenistan business council visit and annual bilateral consultations. Energy Update: Lebap region LPG output more than doubled in the first four months of 2026, reaching over 30,000 tons. Sports & Connectivity: AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers draw set Group E matches in Doha (Qatar hosting Saudi Arabia, Oman and Hong Kong), while coverage also spotlights Middle Corridor digitalization as the next step for faster, more predictable border procedures.

UN Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met UN chief António Guterres and other UN officials in New York, pushing the country’s neutrality agenda and preventive diplomacy, including support for a UN-backed University of Peace and Neutrality. Regional Energy: Turkmen and UN representatives discussed progress on the long-stalled TAPI gas pipeline, focusing on hurdles inside Afghanistan and ways to support local economic recovery. EU Human Rights Dialogue: Rights groups IPHR and TIHR urged the EU to press Ashgabat on media restrictions, internet censorship, civic space, forced mobilization, torture and enforced disappearances, and women’s rights ahead of a June 22 dialogue. Tech & Connectivity: Turkmentelecom expanded its TelecomWi‑Fi public network, adding more hotspots across Ashgabat, Arkadag, and regions, including transport hubs and public venues. Sports (AFC U-20): The AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers draw set India, Uzbekistan, Syria and Bangladesh in Group B in Tashkent, while Oman landed a tough Group E with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Hong Kong. Global Context: Commentary and reporting linked Hormuz tensions to wider energy and trade risks, with rail routes through Central Asia highlighted as a limited alternative.

UN Diplomacy in New York: Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN officials in New York, stressing preventive diplomacy, the UN-centered system, and the May 20 UNGA resolution backing neutrality; he also spoke in a Security Council debate on behalf of the Group of Friends of Neutrality. Regional Security Talks: South Korea’s National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac is set to visit Kazakhstan to discuss regional security and energy supply chains ahead of a Korea–Central Asia summit that includes Turkmenistan. China–Turkmenistan Cooperation: Chinese FM Wang Yi told Turkmenistan it’s ready to advance major projects and deepen bilateral ties, linking the push to multilateralism and UN authority. Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramy): President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and leaders across the region sent Eid messages highlighting faith, mercy, unity, and friendship. Energy & Health Upgrades: OSCE-backed experts shared renewable energy resilience practices in Spain with Turkmen officials, while WHO supported Turkmenistan’s healthcare preparedness through emergency planning and lab biosafety training. Bilateral Business: Belarusian enterprises and universities held B2B meetings in Ashgabat during White City Ashgabat 2026.

UN Diplomacy in New York: Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov began a working visit to New York to take part in a UN Security Council high-level open debate, stressing Turkmenistan’s preventive diplomacy and the link between peace, security and sustainable development. He met UN Secretary-General António Guterres, with both sides highlighting the May 20 UN General Assembly resolution recognizing Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy, and discussed plans including a University of Peace and Neutrality. Neutrality at the UN: Meredov also spoke on behalf of the Group of Friends of Neutrality during the Security Council debate, outlining four priority areas for dialogue and UN-centered cooperation. Caspian Neighbors: In New York, Meredov met Azerbaijan’s FM Jeyhun Bayramov, reviewing expanded cooperation in trade, energy, transport-logistics and humanitarian fields, with both sides calling for continued regional stability. Health Cooperation: Turkmenistan and the WHO continued closer collaboration, including an emergency planning and safe transport of infectious substances workshop in Ashgabat. Eid al-Adha: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the nation on Kurban Bayramy, calling it a festival of faith, mercy, humanism and unity. Social Support: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov chaired a joint meeting of the Halk Maslahaty Elders’ Council and his charitable fund, naming a newborn orphaned girl in Ashgabat “Arkadag gyzy Gurbangul.”

Kurban Bayramy Focus: Turkmenistan is marking Kurban Bayramy (Eid al-Adha) with a presidential message stressing humanism, friendship, peace, and national unity as celebrations run 27–29 May. Social Policy: In Ashgabat, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov chaired a joint meeting of the Halk Maslahaty Elders’ Council and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Fund, highlighting targeted support for young and large families and children needing care. Energy Security: An OSCE-organized study visit in Spain brought Turkmen energy experts to discuss renewable resilience, smart grids, decentralized generation, and risk planning. Public Health Prep: Turkmenistan is strengthening lab readiness and biosafety through specialized training and emergency planning, including preparedness for infectious substance transport. Regional Business & Culture: The “White City Ashgabat – 2026” forum continues to spotlight architecture, innovation, and sustainable development, while cultural events—from carpet day in Ukraine to Kurban festivities—keep diplomacy and heritage in the spotlight. Sports (Outside Turkmenistan): India’s U23 freestyle wrestlers added four medals in Vietnam, including golds by Kumar Mohit and Chandermohan, with Turkmenistan’s Vatan Annairazov taking a loss in the 74kg bronze bout.

Georgia–Turkmenistan Connectivity: Ashgabat hosted Georgia’s Independence Day reception, where Ambassador Konstantine Sabiashvili said a major Turkmen-Georgian business forum and exhibition will be held in Tbilisi as early as July, aiming to deepen trade links and regional infrastructure ties. Sports Spotlight: In Da Nang, Kyrgyz wrestler Ulukbek Soorombekov won U23 freestyle gold (beating a Turkmen opponent 7:6 in the semis), while India’s Kumar Mohit and Chandermohan also struck gold at the U23 Asian Championships, adding four medals on the day. Turkmen Culture Abroad: Turkmenistan’s embassy in Ukraine marked Turkmen Carpet Day with a cultural event celebrating carpet-weaving and embroidery. Health & Climate Readiness: Ashgabat hosted training to strengthen laboratory preparedness and biosafety, while Turkmenistan and UNOPS discussed methane emissions reduction plans for 2026–2030. Agriculture & Trade: Turkmen greenhouse tomato exports are expanding, with large volumes shipped to Russia, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. Urban Development Showcase: The “White City Ashgabat 2026” forum wrapped up, highlighting smart-city projects and new industrial partnerships.