AGP Executive Report

Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan ties: Ashgabat hosted a reception for Uzbekistan’s 35th Independence anniversary, with both sides stressing “New Uzbekistan” reforms and deepening good-neighbourliness as a strategic partnership. Nomad Games spotlight: Kyrgyzstan’s World Nomad Games in Bishkek/Cholpon-Ata keep rolling, with Turkmen athletes competing in traditional disciplines like goresh as the event blends sport and culture for a global audience. Ahal-Teke culture abroad: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the Ahal-teke horse as a symbol of Turkmen sovereignty and cultural diplomacy, pointing to major equestrian events at home and overseas. International horse event in Europe: The World Akhal-Teke Championship opens Sept 4 in Kronenberg, Netherlands, bringing breeders and riders to showcase dressage, show-jumping and horse beauty traditions. Women, peace, neutrality: Turkmenistan urged greater women’s leadership in preventive diplomacy at a UN Culture of Peace forum, linking neutrality to conflict prevention through dialogue and inclusion. Education and culture in Ashgabat: A French Institute open day in Ashgabat invites families to try French classes, DELF/DALF exams, and a new photo exhibition “Journey through Turkmen Lands.” Arts and pop culture: A Turkmen string orchestra plans a Marvel vs DC themed concert in Ashgabat on Sept 17, bringing superhero soundtracks to a major national theater. Diplomacy in The Hague: Turkmenistan and the Netherlands met to expand political, trade, education and cultural cooperation, including training for diplomats. Chevening alumni hub: Turkmenistan will lead a new regional Chevening alumni mentorship initiative, launching a Silk Road hub with webinars and a December 2026 impact conference.

Ahal-Teke Horse as Cultural Diplomacy: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov delivered a “general lesson” at the Ruhyýet Palace in Arkadag, calling the Ahal-teke horse a symbol of Turkmen sovereignty and national dignity, and linking its global promotion to equestrian events and UNESCO intangible heritage recognition. Turkmen-Dutch Cultural & Education Ties: In The Hague, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met Netherlands counterpart Tom Berendsen, with both sides highlighting plans to expand cultural and humanitarian cooperation, business contacts, and education links including diplomat training with Clingendael. Culture of Peace at the UN: Turkmenistan used a UN forum on the Culture of Peace to stress that neutrality should support conflict prevention, and urged greater women’s leadership in preventive diplomacy and peace processes. Akhal-Teke Championship in Europe: The World Akhal-Teke Championship begins Sept. 4 in Kronenberg, the Netherlands, featuring Turkmen breeders and the Galkynyş equestrian group alongside European partners, with dressage, show-jumping, and horse beauty judging. French Institute Open Day in Ashgabat: The French Institute in Turkmenistan hosts an open day Sept. 5 with French classes, DELF/DALF info, media library access, and a cultural program including a new photo exhibition location. Nomad Games Spotlight: Turkmenistan athletes took part in Kyrgyzstan’s VI World Nomad Games, where traditional sports and a large ethnovillage program brought steppe culture to an international audience. Youth & Learning: On Knowledge Day, a Turkmen-Russian school in Ashgabat welcomed 186 first-graders with a joint cultural program featuring dutar and balalaika music.

Women & Peacebuilding: Turkmenistan urged stronger women’s leadership in preventive diplomacy and peace processes at a UN forum, linking peace culture to neutrality and calling for dialogue, inclusion, justice, and confidence-building. Akhal-Teke Culture Abroad: The World Akhal-Teke Championship opens Sept. 4 in Kronenberg, Netherlands, bringing Turkmen breeders and the “Türkmen atlary” and “Galkynyş” groups to Europe’s major equestrian venue, with judging, dressage, show-jumping, and a horse beauty contest rooted in Turkmen adornment traditions. Nomad Games Spotlight: Kyrgyzstan won its first gold at the VI World Nomad Games in wrestling, while Turkmen athletes also competed in traditional disciplines; the Games continue as a mix of sport and ethnocultural programming. French Culture in Ashgabat: The French Institute’s Open Day (Sept. 5) features French classes, DELF/DALF info, a photo exhibition “Journey through Turkmen Lands” (1890), and family-friendly performances and interactive activities. Education & Youth: A “general lesson” for the new academic year in Arkadag City emphasized education, patriotism, cultural heritage, and mastering new technologies. Music for Kids: “The Musical Detective” brought interactive classical storytelling to Ashgabat’s Culture and Recreation Park, turning children into “detectives” through piano riddles. Turkmen-Turkish Ties: Türkiye’s ambassador marked Victory Day in Ashgabat and reiterated support for Turkmenistan’s sovereignty and permanent neutrality.

Ashgabat Culture Calendar: The French Institute in Turkmenistan is hosting an Open Day on Saturday, 5 September (15:00–19:30), with French language courses, DELF/DALF exam info, a media library, and a full cultural program—plus a new photo exhibition opening, “Journey through Turkmen Lands,” by French photographer Paul Nadar. Music & Pop Culture: In Ashgabat this month, the Tahir Atayev Orchestra will stage a “Marvel vs. DC” symphonic concert at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater, featuring superhero theme music and a playful “clash of two universes.” Education & Youth: Turkmenistan’s National Leader held a traditional “general lesson” for students at Ruhyet Palace in Arkadag City, stressing education, patriotism, cultural heritage, and mastering new technologies. School Life: In Ashgabat, the A.S. Pushkin Joint Turkmen-Russian School welcomed 186 first-graders for Knowledge Day, with a joint musical performance blending the Turkmen dutar and Russian balalaika. Sports Heritage Abroad: Turkmen athletes are competing at the 6th World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, where traditional disciplines like goresh are on the program and the event is framed as a major cultural festival, not just sport.

World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan: Turkmen athletes are competing at the 6th World Nomad Games in Bishkek and Cholpon-Ata, where the program blends traditional sports and culture, including Turkmen goresh and other ethnosport disciplines. Turkmen Sports Spotlight: On the first competition day, Turkmen wrestler Annagurban Allaberdiyev won gold in goresh, while Turkmen Kemal Kemalov took bronze in kurash—proof that steppe traditions are getting serious international attention. Education & Culture at Home: In Ashgabat, the A.S. Pushkin Joint Turkmen-Russian School welcomed 186 first-graders for Knowledge Day, featuring a joint musical performance combining the Turkmen dutar and Russian balalaika. Learning & Modernization: New education complexes for architecture and construction and teacher training were opened across Turkmenistan, as the country continues upgrading schools and learning infrastructure. Diplomacy with a Cultural Lens: Japan’s foreign minister met President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, with plans for AI cooperation and continued humanitarian and cultural exchanges.

World Nomad Games: Bishkek’s Bishkek Arena and Cholpon-Ata host the 6th World Nomad Games, a major sports-and-culture festival with 43 traditional disciplines and delegations from 113 countries; Turkmen athletes are competing in goresh and other events, while an ethno-village of 300+ yurts showcases nomadic heritage. Turkmenistan Education & Culture: On Knowledge Day, the A.S. Pushkin Joint Turkmen-Russian School welcomed 186 first-graders with a joint musical performance featuring the Turkmen dutar and Russian balalaika; elsewhere, new education complexes and schools were commissioned for the new academic year. Turkmenistan Tourism Push: Turkmenistan highlighted tourism growth at CIS news-agency meetings, promoting Avaza, UNESCO sites like Merv, Nisa and Kunya Urgench, plus desert and nature routes, with 70+ private firms now operating. Diplomacy with Japan & Türkiye: Japan’s foreign minister briefed media on expanding Turkmen-Japanese cooperation, including AI and education; Türkiye’s ambassador marked Victory Day in Ashgabat and reaffirmed support for Turkmenistan’s sovereignty and permanent neutrality. Central Asia Spotlight: Uzbekistan’s fintech drive is framed as a wider economic reinvention, while SCO leaders called for an inclusive Afghan government with broad ethnic participation.

World Nomad Games: Turkmen athletes are competing at the 6th World Nomad Games in Bishkek and Cholpon-Ata, with the event spotlighting 43 traditional disciplines and a Kyrchyn Gorge ethno-village of yurts celebrating nomadic culture. Knowledge Day in Ashgabat: The A.S. Pushkin Joint Turkmen-Russian School welcomed 186 first-graders, featuring joint anthem and flag ceremonies plus a musical performance blending the Turkmen dutar and Russian balalaika. Turkmen–Japan ties: Japan’s foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi met Turkmenistan’s leadership in Ashgabat, highlighting cooperation in AI, education, cultural exchanges, and support for Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. Turkmen tourism push: Turkmenistan is promoting its tourism potential through government-backed private operators (70+ firms), with carpets, Akhal-Teke horses, UNESCO sites like Merv and Nisa, desert routes, and the Avaza resort zone. Cultural education: A children’s concert-story, “The Musical Detective,” brought interactive classical music to the “Ashgabat” Culture and Recreation Park, turning young listeners into “detectives” solving musical riddles.

Nomadic Sports Diplomacy: The World Nomad Games opened in Bishkek with delegations from 100+ countries and 21 heads of state, spotlighting 43 disciplines rooted in Central Asian steppe culture, with equestrian events at the heart. Regional Peace Talks: SCO leaders backed an inclusive Afghan government representing all ethnic and political groups, calling it the only route to lasting peace. Turkmen Cultural Life: In Ashgabat, “The Musical Detective” brought children and families into an interactive classical-music concert at the “Ashgabat” Culture and Recreation Park, turning listeners into “detectives” solving musical riddles. Tourism & Heritage Push: Turkmenistan promoted its tourism potential at a CIS news agencies meeting, highlighting 70+ supported private tour firms, UNESCO sites like Merv and Nisa, Avaza’s growth, and signature attractions such as Turkmen carpets and Akhal-Teke horses. Tech-Forward Culture in Arkadag: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inspected Arkadag’s museum project, planned digital exhibits using 3D animation and AI to showcase Akhal-Teke horses and hand-woven carpets. Japan–Turkmenistan Cultural Cooperation: Japan’s foreign minister met Turkmen leadership in Ashgabat, with emphasis on education, AI cooperation, and growing cultural-humanitarian exchanges.

UN Neutrality & UNGA 81: Turkmenistan says it will use the 81st UN General Assembly session to push peacebuilding, international security and sustainable development, anchored in its permanent neutrality and dialogue-focused foreign policy. CIS Tourism Push: At the CIS heads of state news agencies meeting in Cholpon-Ata, TDH’s Gulyalek Mukhammetberdiyeva highlighted Turkmenistan’s tourism growth, backed private operators (70+ firms), and key draws like Turkmen carpets, Akhal-Teke horses, UNESCO sites (Merv, Nisa, Kunya Urgench), desert routes, and the Avaza resort. Turkmen-Japan Tech & Culture: Japan’s FM Toshimitsu Motegi met President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, stressing trust and cooperation; AI collaboration is planned via training and data-centre projects, alongside growing humanitarian and cultural exchanges. TURKSOY Literary Links: TURKSOY outlines new literary cooperation among member states, with writers’ union leaders meeting in Andijan as it prepares for the Turkic World Cultural Capital 2026. Arkadaş Smart City Education & Heritage: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inspected Arkadag projects, including a new museum with digital/AI exhibits on Akhal-Teke horses and carpets, plus a foreign-language-focused school and kindergarten.

Turkmen Tourism Push: Turkmenistan is pitching its tourism mix—UNESCO sites like Merv, Nisa and Kunya Urgench, desert nature, and the Avaza resort zone—at CIS media meetings, with TDH saying 70+ private firms now operate and young multilingual specialists are being recruited. Arkadag Smart City Culture Tech: A new Arkadag museum is taking shape near the main mosque, with an interactive digital exhibition planned using 3D animation and AI to spotlight Akhal-Teke horses and Turkmen carpets, alongside new schools and a foreign-language-focused secondary program. Japan–Turkmen Cultural Diplomacy: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Japan’s FM Toshimitsu Motegi, with both sides stressing long-term strategic ties and cooperation in political, trade and cultural-humanitarian areas. Theatre on Film: Turkmenfilm is preparing a feature, “Theatre – my destiny!”, tracing the roots and modern achievements of Turkmen stage art across regions, using archival footage and interviews. Ahal-Teke Abroad: The World Ahal-Teke Horse Championship (Sept 4–6) in the Netherlands’ Cronenberg is set to spotlight Turkmen heritage for a European audience. Regional Culture & Sports: Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek hosts the 6th World Nomad Games (Aug 31–Sep 6), with PM Modi attending the opening and greeting India’s contingent.

Tourism & Culture Diplomacy: At the CIS Council of Heads of State News Agencies meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Turkmenistan’s TDH said tourism is a state priority, with support for private operators (70+ companies), a push for foreign-language specialists, and signature attractions like Turkmen carpets, Akhal-Teke horses, and the Avaza resort zone. International Cultural Projects: Turkmenistan’s “Turkmenfilm” association is preparing a 30-minute feature, “Theatre – my destiny!”, tracing Turkmen stage history from ancient Nisa and Oguz han traditions to today’s major theatres, using archival footage and performance fragments. Horse Heritage Abroad: Ahead of the Ahal-teke world championship (Sept 4–6) in the Netherlands, organizers frame the event as a landmark for the breed’s global recognition. Regional Connectivity & Lifestyle: Reports say the TAPI pipeline’s Herat section could be commissioned within two months, bringing fresh momentum to a major regional economic corridor. Arts & Learning: The Embassy of India in Turkmenistan announced Hindi Day creative competitions (recitation, essay, drawing) with registration due Sept 8. Health & Science (Global): A new study on TTR gene silencing for ATTR cardiomyopathy is set for presentation at ESC 2026, with a simultaneous late-breaking session in Ashgabat.

CIS Tourism Push: At the 35th meeting of CIS heads of state news agencies in Cholpon-Ata, Turkmenistan’s TDH highlighted tourism as a state priority, citing support for private tour operators, 70+ companies offering routes, and heritage draws like Turkmen carpets and Akhal-Teke horses, with Avaza’s ongoing expansion also in focus. Diplomacy & Culture Links: Japan’s foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi is set to visit Ashgabat on 29–30 August, framing ties as a long friendship and pointing to cooperation in connectivity and emerging technologies. Turkmen Theatre on Film: Turkmenfilm is producing a new 30-minute feature, “Theatre – my destiny!”, mapping the development of national stage art across regions and major theatres, using archival material and performance fragments. Ahal-Teke Horse Spotlight Abroad: The World Championship for Ahal-Teke horse breeding runs 4–6 September in Cronenberg, Netherlands, bringing Turkmen equestrian heritage to a European audience. Eco-Event for Ashgabat: The “Young Naturalist” group invites residents to a free upcycling and green-tech eco-event on 29 August at the Bilelik Hub Creative Center, with games, quizzes, and a tote-bag masterclass. Regional Connectivity Watch: TAPI gas talks move forward as Herat officials say the pipeline’s local section could be commissioned within two months, edging the project closer to real gas sales. Turkmen Community Media in Syria: Turkmen TV says it has received official accreditation from Syria’s Ministry of Information, becoming the first licensed channel carrying the name of Syria’s Turkmen community.

Diplomacy & Culture Ties: Japan’s foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi is set to visit Ashgabat on 29–30 August, aiming to deepen cooperation with Turkmenistan in trade, regional connectivity, diplomacy, and emerging technologies. Turkish Cultural Diplomacy: Türkiye’s newly appointed ambassador Şener Cebeci presented credentials to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, with both sides stressing long-term “brotherly” relations and expanding dialogue. Turkmen Theatre on Film: Turkmenfilm named after Oguzhan is producing a 30-minute feature, “Theatre – my destiny!”, tracing the roots of Turkmen stage art from ancient Nisa to today’s major theatres across all velayats. Ahal-Teke Horse Heritage Abroad: The World Championship for Ahal‑teke horses runs 4–6 September in Cronenberg, Netherlands, highlighting the breed as a living symbol of Turkmen history and identity. Community & Heritage Events: A free “Young Naturalist” eco-event in Ashgabat (29 August) invites residents to learn green tech, join an upcycling masterclass, and paint tote bags. Literature & Archaeology: A new book, “Paryz-Depe — A Heritage of Millennia,” has been published ahead of the 35th independence anniversary, summarizing recent excavations and site chronology. Regional Connectivity: TAPI is moving closer to first gas sales, with Herat officials saying the Afghan section could be commissioned within two months.

Diplomatic Credentials: Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Türkiye’s newly appointed Ambassador Şener Cebeci, reaffirming long-term “brotherly” ties and cooperation across dialogue, trade, and international platforms. Cultural Spotlight: «Turkmenfilm» Association named after Oguzhan is producing a 30-minute feature, “Theatre – my destiny!”, tracing the roots of Turkmen stage art from ancient Nisa to today’s major theatres, with archival footage and artists’ memories. Theatrical Season: The 2026–2027 theatre calendar kicks off Aug 29 with premieres and popular classics across the Main Academic Drama Theatre, Alp Arslan National Drama Theatre, Pushkin Russian Drama Theatre, and the State Puppet Theatre. Heritage & Community: A documentary on national theatrical art is set to be filmed in Turkmenistan, while the “Çalsana bagşy!” dutar and bagshy competition winners were announced. International Culture Call: The ECO International Mobile Photography Festival 2026 invites participants to capture heritage through mobile photos under the theme “Passing on Heritage.” Travel & Lifestyle: Malaysia reported strong Central Asian demand for travel, with arrivals from Turkmenistan among the growing figures. Eco-Event: Ashgabat’s “Young Naturalist” group hosts a free Aug 29 eco-event with upcycling, quizzes, and an interactive green-tech program.

Turkmen Theatre Spotlight: “Turkmenfilm” is producing a new 30-minute feature, “Theatre – my destiny!”, tracing the Turkmen stage from ancient Nisa and Oguz-era equestrian traditions to today’s major drama, music, puppet, student and regional theatres, with archival footage and performances. Ahal-Teke Global Moment: With just days left to the World Championship of Ahal‑Teke horse breeding (Sept 4–6) in Cronenberg, Netherlands, organizers call it a landmark first for the legendary breed on European soil. Independence-Era Publishing: The State Publishing Service has released “Paryz-Depe — A Heritage of Millennia,” in Turkmen, English and Russian, summarizing excavations from 2017–2024 and mapping key settlement stages. Culture Calendar (Ashgabat): The 2026–2027 theatrical season opens Aug 29 with a packed schedule across the Main Academic Drama Theatre, Alp Arslan National Drama Theatre, Pushkin Russian Drama Theatre and the State Puppet Theatre. Community & Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s Halk Maslahaty and the UN “International Year of Law” were discussed at a conference in Uzbekistan, while Turkmenistan also marked cultural-humanitarian cooperation with the EU and Germany. Local Event: A free “Young Naturalist” eco-event in Ashgabat (Aug 29, 17:00) features green tech talks, games, an upcycling masterclass, and tote-bag painting.

Halk Maslahaty & UN law push: Turkmenistan’s MFA reports an Embassy of Turkmenistan in Uzbekistan conference on the upcoming Halk Maslahaty meeting (Sept 23, ahead of the 35th independence anniversary) and on Turkmenistan’s UN General Assembly resolution “2028 – International Year of Law,” with speakers stressing the forum’s role in uniting society and setting long-term national priorities. Turkmen-German cultural cooperation: Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met Germany’s new ambassador Petra Dachtler, discussing ties across politics, trade, culture, healthcare, and education, and highlighting partnership formats in the UN/EU and Central Asia–Germany. Education spotlight: A conference of education workers at Magtymguly Turkmen State University reviewed the past year and set tasks for 2026–2027, featuring an exhibition on national education achievements and student successes. Theatrical season opens: Leading theaters launch the 2026–2027 season on Aug 29 with a packed program of drama, Russian-language productions, and puppet performances. Hindi Day competitions: The Indian Embassy in Turkmenistan invites pre-registered participants to creative trials for Hindi Day (Sept 14), including recitation, essay, and drawing. Cultural heritage book: State Publishing Service released “Paryz-Depe — A Heritage of Millennia,” summarizing excavation results from 2017–2024 in Turkmen, English, and Russian. Eco-event in Ashgabat: “Young Naturalist” invites residents to a free Aug 29 eco-event at the “Ashgabat” S&E Center with green tech talks, games, and an upcycling masterclass.