AGP Executive Report

Day of Science: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov marked June 12 with a ceremony at the Academy of Sciences, praising innovation and the steady push to grow national science. Akhal-Teke Culture: A travel-style feature spotlights Turkmenistan’s “golden horses” and the state’s deep horse symbolism, while textile firms roll out premium “heavenly horses” gift bedding tied to the Year motto. Turkmenistan–Türkiye Partnership: In Denizli, Turkmenistan and Türkiye staged a business forum, independence-focused science conference, and exhibitions to expand cooperation in trade, industry, energy, transport, and agriculture. EU Cooperation: Ashgabat hosted talks between Turkmen FM Rashid Meredov and EU Ambassador Beata Peksa, with plans to strengthen political, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties. UNESCO Intangible Heritage: Meetings with Finland’s new ambassador and with Tajikistan officials emphasized cultural-humanitarian links and UNESCO cooperation on safeguarding intangible heritage. Textiles & Skills: A Korea–Turkmenistan textile seminar highlighted cotton-to-technology collaboration and “K-textile” ambitions. Cultural Diplomacy on Screen: An Azerbaijani feature film (“Homeland”) was screened in Ashgabat, drawing scientists, cultural figures, and students. Community Spirit: A UN volunteer story highlights “Yowar,” Turkmen tradition of collective charitable work, now reflected in modern volunteering.

EU-Turkmenistan Talks: Ashgabat’s MFA hosted a meeting between Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and EU Ambassador Beata Peksa, with both sides mapping next steps to deepen cooperation across political, trade, cultural and humanitarian areas. Finland Partnership: Deputy FM Myahri Bashimova met Finland’s newly appointed Ambassador Maria Agren, agreeing to expand ties in diplomacy, trade, culture and humanitarian work, including stronger inter-parliamentary contacts. Textile & Heritage: Turkmen textile enterprises rolled out premium “heavenly horses” gift bedding sets for the Year of Independent Neutral Turkmenistan, using 3D coupon-print effects to blend tradition with new production tech. U.S. Public Diplomacy: U.S. Under Secretary Sarah Rogers briefed media after talks in Ashgabat, highlighting AI and education cooperation, including plans for a joint MBA program with Kent State University. UNESCO Intangible Heritage: Turkmenistan and Tajikistan discussed UNESCO cooperation, focusing on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and mutual support through UNESCO mechanisms. Culture on Screen: An Azerbaijani feature film, “Homeland,” was screened at Ashgabat Cinema, drawing scientists, cultural figures and students. Community & Volunteering: A profile spotlighted “Yowar,” Turkmenistan’s tradition of collective charitable work, through the story of a UN volunteer in the country. Upcoming Photo Exhibition: A French photographer’s 1890 images—“A Journey to Turkmen Lands”—will open at the Museum of Fine Arts from June 11–23.

Diplomacy & Culture Links: Turkmenistan’s MFA hosted Finland’s newly appointed ambassador Maria Agre, with talks spanning political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, plus plans to boost foreign-ministry and inter-parliamentary contacts. EU-Funded Health & Safety: In Ashgabat, the EU-backed Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP 8) began a two-day needs assessment workshop, focusing on supply reduction and security with UNODC and partners. Textiles & Lifestyle: Turkmen textile enterprises rolled out premium gift bedding sets featuring the “heavenly horses” emblem of the Year of Independent Neutral Turkmenistan, using 3D coupon-print effects designed to keep colors after washing. Arts in Ashgabat: Azerbaijan’s feature film “Homeland” screened at Ashgabat Cinema, drawing scientists, cultural figures and students. Culture Exhibition: The Museum of Fine Arts will host Paul Nadar’s 1890 photo exhibition “A Journey to Turkmen Lands” from June 11–23. Regional Cooperation: Xinjiang’s Trans-Altai platform expanded to include Turkmenistan for the first time, highlighting trade, logistics, energy, tourism and education. Human Rights Watch: Turkmen activist Saddam Gulamov was sentenced to five years in prison after extradition from Russia.

Central Asia Investment Shift: The Eurasian Development Bank says China has overtaken Russia as the region’s top foreign investor, pouring funds into Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan since 2015—highlighting a major $9.4bn Turkmen oil project run by CNPC. Trans-Altai Cooperation: Xinjiang’s Trans-Altai subregional platform expands for the first time with Turkmenistan joining Kyrgyzstan at a June 10 conference in Altay, Xinjiang, focused on trade, logistics, energy, tech, agriculture, tourism and education. Azerbaijan on Screen in Ashgabat: An Azerbaijani feature film, “Homeland,” was screened at Ashgabat Cinema with Turkmen students and cultural figures in attendance. Franco-Turkmen Photo Exchange: A new exhibition, “A Journey to Turkmen Lands,” brings rare 1890 Paul Nadar photographs to Ashgabat’s Museum of Fine Arts from June 11–23. UNESCO Intangible Heritage Talks: Turkmenistan’s deputy foreign minister met Tajikistan’s envoy and UNESCO officials to discuss deeper cooperation on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Textile Partnership: Korea and Turkmenistan advanced textile ties via a technical seminar linking Turkmen cotton resources with South Korea’s technology support. Culture Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Culture Days in Turkmenistan wrapped with concerts and exhibitions, while Azerbaijani media visited the Turkmen National Carpet Museum. Health & Care Story: A personal account highlights multiple sclerosis treatment in Ashgabat, underscoring patient support and access to care. Gender Equality Plan: Turkmenistan approved a national action plan for gender equality for 2026–2030, directing ministries and local bodies to implement measures.

Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan Culture Days: The three-day cultural program in Ashgabat and Arkadag wrapped up with a gala concert by the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble, after exhibitions, literary events, and museum visits highlighted shared heritage and growing people-to-people ties. Cultural diplomacy in focus: Azerbaijani media toured the Turkmen National Carpet Museum in Ashgabat, learning about its 2,000+ exhibits and the Guinness-listed carpet, while officials also met to discuss expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation. World Environment Day, science and culture: Turkmenistan hosted a scientific and practical conference in Ashgabat tied to World Environment Day, featuring presentations on environmental policy and international cooperation. Gender equality policy: A national action plan for gender equality in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030 was approved, with ministries and local bodies tasked to implement measures across social and cultural life. Sports and heritage spotlight: The Akhal-Teke horse beauty pageant drew rare foreign-media access, underscoring how the “winged horses” tradition remains central to Turkmen public culture. Human rights and activism: Extradited Turkmen activist Saddam Gulamov was sentenced to five years in prison, according to reports citing court documents.

Turkmen-American Cultural Diplomacy: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Sarah Rogers arrived in Ashgabat and met Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, with both sides highlighting cooperation in education, science, culture, humanitarian projects, and media/public diplomacy. Azerbaijan Culture Days in Turkmenistan: The week-long Days of Azerbaijani Culture wrapped with concerts, exhibitions, and literary events in Ashgabat and Arkadag, including a gala at the Mukam’s Palace and photo shows at the carpet museum and local history venues. Environment & Science for World Environment Day: Turkmenistan hosted a scientific-practical conference in Ashgabat on environmental well-being and international cooperation, alongside World Environment Day programming. Health & Lifestyle Story: A personal account on multiple sclerosis in Ashgabat’s S.A. Niyazov Diagnostic and Treatment Centre ran alongside a “free medicines” push for MS patients. Sports Culture: World Bicycle Day celebrations included a mass cycling rally in Ashgabat. Rights & Activism: Extradited Turkmen activist Saddam Gulamov was sentenced to five years in prison, according to reported court documents. Regional Water Cooperation: A CAREC workshop in Shymkent focused on harmonizing water quality standards and lab methods across Central Asia, including Turkmenistan’s monitoring services.

Humanitarian Logistics: WFP’s 15,000-km food delivery to Afghan schoolchildren ends after a marathon route across nine countries, showing how teams reroute when borders and plans shift. Diplomacy & Culture: US Deputy Secretary of State Sarah Rogers arrives in Ashgabat, touring the Akhal-Teke equestrian world and holding talks with Turkmen officials on cooperation in education, science, culture, and digitalization. Health & Daily Life: A Turkmen MS patient story highlights how access to free medicines for multiple sclerosis can change lives, from diagnosis to day-to-day recovery. Environment & Public Programs: Ashgabat hosts a World Environment Day scientific conference on environmental well-being and international cooperation, featuring state policy updates and exhibitions. Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan Culture Days: Azerbaijan’s Culture Days continue across Ashgabat and Arkadag with concerts, exhibitions (including carpets and “Pearls of Azerbaijan’s National Heritage”), and literary events honoring figures like Ajami Nakhchivani and classic poets—reinforcing people-to-people ties. Gender Equality: Turkmenistan approves a national action plan for gender equality for 2026–2030, tasking ministries and local bodies with implementation.

World Environment Day: Ashgabat hosted a scientific-practical conference on “Environmental Well-being and International Cooperation,” with officials highlighting state environmental policy and international collaboration. Akhal-Teke Horse Culture: AFP reports rare foreign access to Turkmenistan’s annual Akhal-Teke beauty pageant, underscoring the horses’ role in a highly curated state tradition. Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan Culture Days: Azerbaijan’s Culture Days in Ashgabat and Arkadag continue with concerts, exhibitions, and literary events, including a gala at the Mukams Palace and photo displays such as “Azerbaijan – From the Lens to History” and “Pearls of Azerbaijan’s National Heritage,” while officials stress people-to-people ties and shared heritage. C5+1 Cultural Cooperation: Central Asian culture ministers and U.S. officials met in Tashkent to advance heritage protection, museum and expert exchanges, and digitalization of cultural sites. Gender Equality Plan: Turkmenistan approved a national action plan for gender equality for 2026–2030, tasking ministries and local authorities with implementation. TurkmenTextile Expo–2026: The International fair in Ashgabat spotlights fashion and design, from children’s collections with national motifs to international brand showcases. Sports Diplomacy: World Bicycle Day cycling events were held by Turkmen embassies abroad, promoting mass sports and an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Azerbaijani Culture Days in Turkmenistan: Ashgabat and Arkadag are hosting the Days of Azerbaijani Culture, kicking off with a gala at the Mukams Palace and a “DOSTLUK KOMPOZISIÝASY” friendship program featuring Azerbaijani orchestras, dance ensembles, and joint performances. Diplomatic Culture Boost: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Azerbaijan’s Culture Minister Adil Karimli, while Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov also held talks—both stressing culture’s role in strengthening Turkmen-Azerbaijani humanitarian ties. Museum & Heritage Highlights: New exhibitions opened across the capital, including “Azerbaijan – From the Lens to History” in Arkadag and “Pearls of Azerbaijan’s National Heritage” at the State Museum of Fine Arts, alongside displays of carpets, embroidery, and historic crafts. Literature in Focus: A scientific conference in Arkadag honored classic poets Seyid Azim Shirvani and Dovletmammet Azadi, linking shared literary heritage to today’s cultural exchange. Textile & Fashion Scene: At Türkmentextile Expo–2026, designers and international guests showcased Turkmen-inspired styles, from the Anna Kor brand debut to French couturier L’Engrenage’s adapted collections. Science Day Spotlight: An international online conference marked Science Day, bringing together hundreds of educators and researchers from dozens of countries. Sports Diplomacy: World Bicycle Day events continued via diplomatic missions abroad, including cycling rides organized by Turkmen embassies.

Azerbaijan Culture Days in Turkmenistan: Ashgabat and Arkadag are hosting the Days of Azerbaijani Culture, with a big opening at the Mukams Palace, a gala concert, and multiple exhibitions—“Pearls of Azerbaijan’s National Heritage” in Ashgabat and a photo show in Arkadag—plus events marking the 900th anniversary of Ajami Nakhchivani and a conference pairing Azerbaijani poet Seyid Azim Shirvani with Turkmen classic Dovletmammet Azadi. Diplomacy through culture: Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Azerbaijani Culture Minister Adil Karimli, while Turkmen and Azerbaijani foreign ministries highlighted cooperation across museums, libraries, creative groups, and joint cultural projects. Textile & fashion spotlight: At Turkmentextile Expo–2026, international guests and designers showcased how national motifs are being remixed for modern fashion, from the Miras fashion show to the Anna Kor debut collection blending Turkmen heritage with European style. Environment & youth: UNDP marked World Environment Day with an “Aral of the Future” youth competition in Ashgabat, rewarding young innovators with models and installations focused on water, restoration, and sustainable consumption. Sports culture: Turkmen athletes reported 301 medals in the first five months of 2026, as the country pushes youth into education, healthcare, and sport.

Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan Culture Days: Ashgabat kicked off the Days of Azerbaijani Culture with a gala opening at the Palace of Mukams, followed by concerts, exhibitions, and film-and-literature events across Ashgabat and Arkadag. Cultural diplomacy at the top: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Azerbaijan’s Culture Minister Adil Karimli, while Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov also discussed expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation—highlighting the Culture Days as a key bridge. Literature in focus: A joint scientific conference in Arkadag brought together scholars to celebrate Azerbaijani poet Seyid Azim Shirvani and Turkmen poet Dovletmammet Azadi at the Dovletmammet Azadi City Library. Heritage exhibitions: “Pearls of Azerbaijan’s National Heritage” opened in Ashgabat’s State Museum of Fine Arts, alongside a photo exhibition on Garabagh and an event marking the 900th anniversary of Ajami Nakhchivani. Fashion & industry culture: Turkmentextile Expo–2026 showcased international fashion shows and local designer knitwear, including the “Miras” presentation and foreign designers adapting Turkmen motifs. Environment & youth creativity: UNDP held World Environment Day awards for “Aral of the Future,” featuring youth models and installations on water, ecosystems, and sustainable solutions. Sports lifestyle: World Bicycle Day events continued via diplomatic rides in Baku, Tashkent, and Dushanbe, promoting mass cycling and an eco-minded lifestyle.

Culture Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Culture Days in Turkmenistan keep rolling in Ashgabat and Arkadag, with a gala concert at Mukam’s Palace, the opening of “Pearls of Azerbaijan’s National Heritage,” and events marking the 900th anniversary of architect Ajami Nakhchivani—plus receptions for Azerbaijan’s Independence Day. High-Level Cooperation: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Azerbaijan’s Culture Minister Adil Karimli, while Turkmen and Azerbaijani foreign ministries discussed expanding cultural and humanitarian ties through museums, libraries, creative groups, and joint projects. Textile & Fashion: Ashgabat’s Turkmentextile Expo–2026 draws international attention, from the Ashgabat textile complex’s designer knitwear to fashion shows featuring national motifs and foreign designers adapting their collections for Turkmen audiences. Sports & Youth: Turkmen athletes reported 301 medals in the first five months of 2026, as the state also pushes youth engagement in science, education, healthcare, and sport. Environment & Learning: UNDP marked World Environment Day with youth winners of “Aral of the Future,” and a Murgab Basin climate-awareness roundtable brought together ministries, experts, and Red Crescent partners.

Azerbaijan Culture Days in Ashgabat/Arkadag: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Azerbaijan’s Culture Minister Adil Karimli, praising the upcoming concerts, exhibitions and scientific events as a key bridge for Turkmen-Azerbaijani friendship. Diplomacy & culture: Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Karimli also discussed expanding cooperation among museums, libraries, artistic groups and educational institutions, with a gala concert set to close the three-day program. Textile & fashion: Ashgabat’s TurkmenTextile Expo–2026 drew major international guests and showcased designer knitwear with national motifs; a fashion show highlighted the Turkmen “Miras” house and visiting brands including France’s L’Engrenage. Youth & environment: UNDP marked World Environment Day with awards for “Aral of the Future – Creating Solutions Today,” featuring youth models on water-saving, restoration and desertification. Sports diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s diplomatic missions abroad marked World Bicycle Day with mass rides, including events in Baku and Tashkent. Culture & heritage policy: A C5+1 meeting in Tashkent focused on protecting cultural heritage, museum cooperation and digitalization of historical sites.

Textile & Trade: Ashgabat’s “TurkmenTextile Expo–2026” is drawing heavy footfall, with the Ashgabat textile complex spotlighting designer knitwear that blends modern styles with ethnic motifs and bright children’s collections. Azerbaijani Culture Days: Days of Azerbaijani Culture kick off in Turkmenistan on June 5, with concerts, exhibitions, carpet weaving and kelaghayi craft among the planned highlights in Arkadag and Ashgabat. Equestrian Heritage: Akhal-Teke horses take center stage in annual beauty pageants in Ashgabat, reinforcing the state’s long-running “heavenly” horse cult. Youth & Media: The May issue of Arkadagly Ýaşlar magazine spotlights young people in science, education, culture and digital life, including AI and city development themes. World Bicycle Day: Turkmenistan marks the UN-backed holiday with mass cycling events, including a presidential rally and bicycle gifts for children, tying sport to a wider environmental agenda. Environment Education: UN partners and Turkmenistan hold World Environment Day activities for children, using interactive “Climate Box” learning, while UNDP and “Yash Tebigatchy” run Caspian coastal clean-ups with youth. Human Rights Watch: Turkmen activist Diana Dadasheva receives a French humanitarian visa and relocates to Paris, raising hopes for asylum after years of reported threats and travel restrictions.

Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan Cultural Exchange: Days of Azerbaijani Culture kick off June 5 in Arkadag and Ashgabat, with concerts, exhibitions, national dances, and crafts like carpet weaving and the kelaghayi scarf—aimed at deepening humanitarian ties. Akhal-Teke Horse Pageant: AFP reports rare access to Turkmenistan’s annual horse beauty contest in Ashgabat, where the state’s fervent Akhal-Teke cult is on full display. World Bicycle Day in Turkmenistan: Mass cycling rallies filled Ashgabat as President Serdar Berdimuhamedov joined the ride, linking cycling to health and environmental goals. Youth & Environment Learning: Ahead of World Environment Day, children in Turkmenistan took part in interactive climate lessons using the UNDP “Climate Box,” while UNDP and partners ran coastal clean-ups to tackle marine litter. UNDP Partnership: UNDP and the Turkmen government signed a co-financing framework agreement for the 2026–2030 country programme, targeting human capital, digital justice, and health sustainability. Turkmen–Turkish High-Level Talks: Türkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz met President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and co-chaired the 9th Turkmen-Turkish commission, with plans to push bilateral trade toward $5 billion. Digital & Media Controls: A human-rights update says Turkmenistan continues tightening digital access and suppressing uncensored information, including crackdowns on tools used to bypass censorship.

World Environment Day & Climate Education: Ashgabat hosted a Murgab River Basin roundtable on climate risk management, bringing together Turkmen ministries, the Red Crescent network, and international partners to share adaptation and disaster-preparedness lessons. Youth Learning at the Camp: At the “Yashlyk” children’s camp in Gökdere, UN partners and the Ministry of Education ran interactive sessions for 10–12-year-olds using the UNDP “Climate Box” to teach climate change through games and practical activities. Caspian Clean-Up for Marine Awareness: In Turkmenbashi, UNDP and the NGO “Yash Tebigatchy” organized a coastal clean-up ahead of World Environment Day, with youth sorting collected waste to stress responsible habits. World Bicycle Day in Turkmenistan: Mass cycling celebrations filled Ashgabat, with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov joining the rally and children from “Döwletliler köşgi” taking part on new bicycles. Culture & Community: The May issue of Arkadagly Ýaşlar magazine was released, highlighting youth achievements in science, education, culture, sports, and technology. Azerbaijani Culture Days Begin: Days of Azerbaijani Culture kick off in Arkadag and Ashgabat on June 5 with concerts and exhibitions aimed at deepening cultural dialogue.