AGP Executive Report

Korea-Central Asia Summit: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun urges a future-focused partnership with Central Asia, spotlighting strategic resources, supply chains, and AI ahead of the Sept. 16 Seoul summit. Bilateral Diplomacy: President Lee Jae-myung is set for talks with Turkmenistan’s Serdar Berdimuhamedow on energy and critical minerals, with 13 agreements planned, including a cultural-food gesture. Turkic Religious Cooperation: OTS Muslim religious leaders met in Baku and adopted declarations calling for action against Islamophobia and radicalism, plus cooperation on family, education, and shared religious guidance. Syria Cultural Links: Türkiye’s FM Hakan Fidan says preparations for Erdogan’s Damascus visit were discussed in Syria, including meetings with Syria’s ethnic Turkmen community. Turkmenistan Independence Celebrations: Ashgabat approved a nationwide plan for September events marking the 35th anniversary of independence, from parades and concerts to flag-raising ceremonies. Sports & Culture: Turkmen clubs Arkadag and Ahal advanced in the Turkmenistan Cup semis, while Turkmen teams prepare for the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Labor Cooperation: Turkmenistan’s trade unions signed an MoU with Kazakhstan to institutionalize labor dialogue and worker protection, including AI-related safeguards.

OTS Religious Diplomacy in Baku: Muslim religious leaders of the Organisation of Turkic States adopted a declaration calling for joint action against terrorism, extremism and Islamophobia, plus cooperation on religious education, student exchanges and shared guidance for Ramadan and Eid. Nature & Daily Life in Ashgabat: Magtymguly Fragi Cultural and Park Complex blends city life with the Kopetdag wild—health trails, mountain views and rare urial sightings. Korea–Central Asia Summit Build-up: South Korea is set to host the first Korea–Central Asia Summit in Seoul, with leaders including Turkmenistan, aiming to link critical minerals and energy with Korean AI, digital tech and advanced manufacturing. Turkmen Cultural Heritage Spotlight: An Arkadag conference highlighted Akhal-Teke horses as a symbol of peace and international cooperation, featuring a new poem dedicated to the breed. Independence Celebrations Plan: Turkmenistan approved large-scale events for the 35th independence anniversary, including forums, exhibitions, music evenings, state-award ceremonies and a festive parade. Labor Cooperation: Turkmenistan’s national trade union delegation signed an MoU with Kazakhstan to institutionalize regular labor dialogue, worker protection and training exchanges. Fashion & Identity: Turkmen designers showcased at Paris’s Who’s Next fair, while the “Urban Nomad” ethno-fashion competition featured a Turkmen capsule collection “Ganatly Zaman.” Sports Culture: Turkmen clubs Arkadag and Ahal took big steps toward the 2026 Cup final, setting up a high-stakes return leg.

Akhal-Teke Cultural Diplomacy: A high-level conference in Arkadag on 12 September spotlighted Akhal-Teke horses as Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage and a bridge for peace and cooperation, featuring a new poem by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and performances by prominent artists. Independence Celebrations Plan: The Cabinet approved a nationwide programme for the 35th anniversary of independence, with forums, exhibitions, song-and-music evenings, state-award ceremonies, flag-raising, a parade, and an anniversary concert. Youth Music Spotlight: The TV contest «Ýañlan, Diýarym!» wrapped with a final round in Ashgabat, continuing its role in discovering young performers ahead of Independence Day. Sports & National Pride: «Arkadag» and «Ahal» advanced toward the 2026 Turkmenistan Cup final after strong semi-final first-leg wins. Labor Cooperation: Turkmenistan’s trade unions launched a first official delegation visit to Kazakhstan, signing an MoU to institutionalize regular labor dialogue and worker protection. Culture & Learning Abroad: Umm Al-Qura University hosted a Turkmen delegation to expand academic cooperation in Islamic studies and Arabic education. Global Spotlight on Education: A new visual report shows women lead college enrollment in most countries, with notable exceptions in Japan and South Korea.

Independence Celebrations Plan: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved a nationwide program for the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, with forums, exhibitions, song-and-music evenings, award ceremonies, flower-laying at the Independence monument, flag-raising in velayats and Arkadag, plus a festive parade and anniversary concert. Youth Song & Music Spotlight: The TV contest «Ýañlan, Diýarym!» wrapped up with a final round in Ashgabat, continuing its role in finding young performers ahead of Independence Day. Children’s Creative Review: The final state round of «Garaşsyzlygyň merjen däneleri» brought gifted children to «Türkmeniň ak öýi» at Nowruz ýaýlasy, starting with the national anthem and a message from the President to keep national culture in their hearts. Sporting Culture: «Arkadag» and «Ahal» moved closer to the 2026 Turkmenistan Cup final after strong first-leg semi-final wins. International Cultural Links: Turkmen musicians took part in Georgia’s Tsinandali classical music festival via the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra, while Umm Al-Qura University hosted a Turkmen delegation to expand Islamic studies and Arabic education ties. Gender Equality Training: UNFPA and Turkmenistan’s Supreme Court ran a two-day seminar on applying CEDAW in judicial practice and law enforcement.

Silk Road on Rails: Golden Eagle Silk Road Express is set to launch in September 2026, running Beijing–Tashkent across six countries, with interiors inspired by Chang’an and Han-era design—carved wood, lacquer, velvet and brass—plus a chariot-shaped bar door and passenger cabins built for long, story-like journeys. Fashion & Identity: Turkmen brands Desert Heritage, Binaym, Mukaddes and AyMahri showcased their collections at Paris’s Who’s Next fair, while Turkmen designers also presented the “Ganatly Zaman” capsule at the Urban Nomad ethno-fashion event during the World Nomad Games. Music in Focus: Vladimir Mkrtumov’s “PRO MUSIC” concert-lecture invites audiences to travel through “Italian Holidays,” “Parisian Evenings” and the “Orient Express,” blending world classics with Turkmen national repertoire. Culture on Stage: The theatre season brings premieres including «Howandar» (Patronage) and «Dostluk mukamy» (Melody of Friendship), with «Ýañlan, Diýarym!» winners announced and the final held at the Aşgabat song and music centre. Diplomacy with a Cultural Lens: Umm Al-Qura University in Saudi Arabia hosted a Turkmen delegation to expand Islamic studies and Arabic education ties. Gender Equality Training: UNFPA and Turkmenistan’s Supreme Court ran a CEDAW seminar for law enforcement and judges in Ashgabat.

Cultural Diplomacy: Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah hosted a Turkmen delegation to deepen cooperation in Islamic studies, Arabic education, and Islamic sciences. Arts & Entertainment: Ashgabat’s “PRO MUSIC with Vladimir Mkrtumov” returns with a concert-lecture series taking audiences on “Italian Holidays,” “Parisian Evenings,” and “Orient Express,” blending world classics with Turkmen national repertoire. Youth Music Spotlight: The TV contest «Ýañlan, Diýarym!» wrapped up in the capital, with winners awarded the President’s gold chain, while the final round of «Garaşsyzlygyň merjen däneleri» for gifted children drew crowds to «Türkmeniň ak öýi». Theatre Season: New premieres are set across major theatres, including «Howandar» and «Jennet mukamy». International Energy & Culture Crossroads: OGT 2026 is building momentum in Ashgabat ahead of 21–23 October, with 400+ registered participants and sold-out expo space. Gender Equality in Justice: UNFPA and Turkmenistan’s Supreme Court ran a two-day CEDAW seminar for law enforcement and judicial practice in Ashgabat. Heritage Watch: A report warns that some of Ashgabat’s postwar architecture is being lost as buildings near the 30th microdistrict and on Azadi Street are demolished.

Ethno-Fashion & Nomad Culture: Turkmen designers Guljemal Bakiyeva (“VILL’S”) and Jennet Berdiyeva debuted their capsule collection “Ganatly Zaman” at the “Urban Nomad” ethno-fashion competition during the 6th World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, alongside creators from Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Music & Cultural Exchange: Honoured Artist Vladimir Mkrtumov is set to host “PRO MUSIC with Vladimir Mkrtumov,” a concert-lecture series taking audiences through “Italian Holidays,” “Parisian Evenings,” and the “Orient Express,” blending world classics with Turkmen national classical repertoire. Fashion Trade Abroad: Turkmen brands Desert Heritage, Binaym, Mukaddes and AyMahri showcased collections at Paris’s Who’s Next fair (5–7 Sept), supported by the EU-funded ITC project “Turkmenistan: Enhancing Trade Resilience and Integration,” drawing interest from international buyers. International Arts Spotlight: Turkmen musicians joined the 8th Tsinandali international classical music festival via the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra, with Turkmen representation led by a concertmaster from the Palace of Mukams. Theatre Season: New premieres are lined up across Ashgabat’s theatres, including “Howandar” and other stage productions for the coming weekend. Gender Equality in Practice: UNFPA and Turkmenistan’s Supreme Court ran a two-day CEDAW training seminar in Ashgabat, focusing on non-discrimination standards and improving judicial handling of gender-based violence.

Cultural Diplomacy: Turkmen musicians are taking part in the 8th Tsinandali international classical music festival, with one performer serving as concertmaster for the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra, while the Turkmen ambassador to Georgia met organizers and wished the festival continued success. Heritage & Memory: A new theatre season brings fresh premieres, including «Howandar» at the Main Academic Drama Theatre and «Jennet mukamy» at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre, spotlighting stories tied to Turkmen history and family life. Gender & Justice: UNFPA and Turkmenistan’s Supreme Court ran seminars in Ashgabat on applying CEDAW in law enforcement and the judiciary, focusing on removing gender barriers and improving protection against gender-based violence. People-to-People Celebrations: The Israel Embassy in Ashgabat marked Rosh HaShana with traditional songs, dancing, and the sharing of apples and honey. Regional Culture Links: Turkmenistan also appears in international cultural training, with a Turkmen e-newspaper representative joining China’s CIPCC 2026 journalist program in Beijing. Sports & Identity: Turkmen athletes won 11 medals at the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, reinforcing ethnosports traditions on a global stage.

Diplomatic Spotlight: Turkmenistan’s cultural ties stay busy as President Serdar Berdimuhamedov receives new EU Ambassador Luc Pierre Devigne and France’s Aléna Grand, with talks also flagging cooperation in trade, energy, transport, and cultural-humanitarian projects. Youth & Arts: The children’s song contest «Garaşsyzlygyň merjen däneleri» reaches its final round in Ashgabat, with finalists performing after a flower-laying ceremony at the Independence Monument. Theatre Season: New premieres roll out across venues, including «Howandar» at the Main Academic Drama Theatre and «Jennet mukamy» at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre, alongside a puppet musical «Dostluk mukamy». Gender Equality & Justice: UNFPA and Turkmenistan’s Supreme Court run a two-day seminar on applying CEDAW in law enforcement and judicial practice, focusing on removing stereotypes and improving access to justice. Cultural Heritage: Akhal-Teke horse culture continues to travel internationally, with Turkmen equestrian science and breed preservation highlighted through recent world championship and art-focused events. Regional Links: Turkmenistan boosts cultural and economic connectivity with meetings involving Uzbekistan and Afghanistan business circles, while media cooperation expands via CIPCC-2026 in Beijing.

CEDAW Training in Ashgabat: UNFPA and Turkmenistan’s Supreme Court ran a two-day seminar on applying CEDAW in law enforcement and judicial practice, focusing on ending gender stereotypes, preventing gender-based violence, and improving survivor-centered access to justice. Youth Independence Song Competition: The final round of «Garaşsyzlygyň merjen däneleri» for gifted children wrapped up at «Türkmeniň ak öýi» in Ak bugday, with finalists performing under a message from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov about national culture and a “permanently neutral” future. New EU Ambassador Credentials: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received EU Ambassador Luc Pierre Devigne, discussing expanded trade, investment, energy cooperation, and Caspian transport links. France-Turkmenistan Cultural-Humanitarian Ties: The President also met France’s new Ambassador Aléna Grand, highlighting cooperation in trade, energy, and cultural-humanitarian projects. Autumn Theatre Premieres: A new theatre season is set with «Howandar» (Main Academic Drama Theatre) and other stage premieres, including «Halk Hakydasy» and «Dostluk mukamy». Akhal-Teke Horses Abroad: Turkmen equestrian culture continues to shine internationally, with scientific, artistic, and diplomatic events celebrating the “heavenly” horses in the Netherlands.

Diplomacy & Culture: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received France’s newly appointed Ambassador Aléna Grand, highlighting growing Turkmen-French cooperation in trade, energy, and especially cultural-humanitarian ties, while also stressing links through the UN and OSCE and readiness for new initiatives in science and culture. Theatre Season: Autumn premieres are set across Ashgabat’s major stages, including «Howandar» at the Main Academic Drama Theatre (12–13.09) and «Jennet mukamy» at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre (11–13.09), alongside other new productions for audiences this weekend. Human Stories on Stage: «Howandar» follows a family shattered by a child’s leukemia diagnosis, turning to doctors and a charitable foundation as a “miracle” becomes reality—an emotional reminder of care, community, and hope. Regional Cultural Ties: Turkmenistan’s MFA reported a meeting between Deputy FM Myahri Byashimova and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Ravshanbek Alimov, with attention to deepening political-diplomatic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation. Women’s Rights & Policy: UNFPA held a seminar in Ashgabat on applying temporary special measures and national mechanisms for advancing women, aligned with CEDAW recommendations and Turkmenistan’s gender equality action plans. Nomad Games Spotlight: Turkmen athletes won 11 medals at the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, underscoring the growing global visibility of ethnosports and Turkic cultural heritage. Akhal-Teke as Cultural Diplomacy: International events in the Netherlands spotlighted Turkmenistan’s “heavenly” Akhal-Teke horses through competition, science, and cultural exchange, with Turkmen traditions and equestrian craftsmanship presented to guests and diplomats.

Diplomacy & Culture Ties: Turkmenistan’s MFA Deputy Minister Myahri Byashimova met Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Ravshanbek Alimov, discussing political, trade, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation and planning joint events to deepen the strategic partnership. Regional Celebrations: Ashgabat hosted an official reception marking Tajikistan’s 35th independence anniversary, with speeches highlighting shared history and strong bilateral interaction. Foreign Relations: Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met France’s newly appointed Ambassador Aléna Grand, focusing on expanding political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation. Women & Human Rights: UNFPA held a consultation seminar in Ashgabat on applying temporary special measures and national mechanisms for advancing women, linked to CEDAW recommendations and Turkmenistan’s gender equality roadmap. Nomad Games Spotlight: Turkmen athletes won 11 medals at the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, underscoring the global reach of ethnosports and Turkic cultural heritage. Akhal-Teke Cultural Diplomacy: International equestrian events in the Netherlands highlighted Turkmenistan’s “heavenly” horses through competition, science, and art, with UNESCO-linked heritage and cultural exchange at the center. Arts & Youth Music: A creative meeting at a Turkmen music school brought aspiring composers together with composer Rovshen Nepesov, stressing national musical heritage as a foundation for new works.

Endurance & Tourism Spotlight: Türkiye’s Black Sea region is hosting KAÇKAR BY UTMB 2026 (Sept 11–13), a major trail-running event in the Kaçkar Mountains that draws elite athletes from dozens of countries and spotlights the area’s culture-and-nature appeal. Gender Equality & Human Rights: In Ashgabat, UNFPA held a consultation seminar on applying temporary special measures and national mechanisms for advancing women, linked to Turkmenistan’s gender-equality plans and CEDAW recommendations. Nomad Games Medal Boost: Turkmen athletes returned from the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan with 11 medals (2 gold, 3 silver, 6 bronze), underlining the growing global reach of ethnosports and intangible cultural heritage. Culture Diplomacy Through Horses: Turkmenistan’s equestrian diplomacy continues in the Netherlands, where the Akhal-Teke “heavenly horses” championship and related events brought together breeders, scientists, artists, and diplomats, with Turkmen leadership attending. Music Education: A creative meeting at a Turkmen state music school connected young composers with Rovshen Nepesov, with a focus on nurturing talent and drawing inspiration from national musical heritage. International Cooperation Talks: Turkmenistan and the Netherlands discussed expanding cooperation in shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure, healthcare, innovative technologies, and methane-emissions reduction, alongside deeper political dialogue. Women’s Rights in Conflict Prevention: Turkmenistan’s UN-related work also highlights calls for a greater role of women in conflict prevention.

Akhal-Teke Horse Diplomacy in the Netherlands: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov attended the World Equestrian Games and the Akhal-Teke horse beauty contest at Peelbergen in Kronenberg, with events spanning competition, scientific exchange, and cultural performances—showcasing Turkmen equestrian traditions to guests from 25 countries. Cultural Arts & Youth Music: A creative meeting at the Danatar Ovezov Turkmen State Special Music School brought young composers together with Rovshen Nepesov, with a focus on national musical heritage and first steps toward professional composition. Food & Everyday Change: A look at Turkmen kitchens over 35 years highlights how the refrigerator became a sign of wider consumer choice, from dairy processing to packaged and semi-finished foods. International Neutrality & Nuclear-Free Zone: Central Asian foreign ministers reaffirmed commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons in a joint CANWFZ Treaty statement marking its 20th anniversary. Turkmenistan–Netherlands Cooperation: In The Hague, Turkmen and Dutch officials discussed expanding political dialogue and business links, including shipbuilding, healthcare, innovative technologies, and methane emissions reduction. Women’s Rights in Conflict Prevention: Turkmenistan called for a greater role for women in conflict prevention, tying gender to peacebuilding priorities.

Akhal-Teke Horse Culture Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the Netherlands to take part in the World Equestrian Games and the Akhal-Teke horse beauty contest in Kronenberg, with a packed programme mixing competition, scientific exchange, and cultural performances. International Breeding Conference: An international scientific and practical conference on “heavenly” horse breeding brought experts from 20+ countries, highlighting centuries-old Turkmen traditions and their growing global recognition. Book Presentation in Dutch: A Dutch-language presentation of “The Horse – a symbol of loyalty and happiness” tied the 2026 neutrality motto to wider cultural cooperation and the international promotion of Akhal-Teke heritage. Theatre and Youth Rights: The Pushkin-named Russian State Drama Theatre staged “Hear Me,” focusing on young people’s struggle for rights and a clash between generations. Women, Peace, and Leadership: Turkmenistan urged greater women’s participation in preventive diplomacy and peace processes at a UN forum on the culture of peace. Chess on the Move: Turkmenistan’s national team is set to head to the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, aiming to defend the country’s chess pride on the world stage. Food Culture Shift: A look at Turkmenistan’s meat market shows how products have evolved from simple counters into a broader food-processing industry.

Akhal-Teke Horse Diplomacy in the Netherlands: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov attended the World Equestrian Games and the Akhal-Teke horse beauty contest at Peelbergen in Kronenberg, with a packed cultural programme and an international open session of the Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding association. Scientific Heritage Spotlight: An international conference on breeding the “heavenly” horses brought together experts from 20+ countries, underlining the breed as Turkmen cultural heritage. Book Presentation Abroad: A Dutch-language presentation of Hero-Arkadag’s book “The Horse – a symbol of loyalty and happiness” linked the events to Turkmenistan’s 2026 motto and culture diplomacy. Turkmen-Dutch Talks: In The Hague, Rashid Meredov met Dutch officials to expand cooperation in shipbuilding, healthcare, innovative technologies and methane emissions reduction, alongside education and cultural ties. Culture & Learning in Ashgabat: The French Institute’s open day in Ashgabat invites visitors to explore language courses, DELF/DALF exams, and a new photo exhibition “Journey through Turkmen Lands.” Women, Peace, Neutrality: Turkmenistan called for stronger women’s leadership in preventive diplomacy at a UN forum on the Culture of Peace.