AGP Executive Report

TAPI Momentum in Herat: Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met Afghanistan’s Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar in Torghundi, with talks focused on accelerating TAPI and related transport links; Baradar pushed for a long-term gas pricing deal with a flexible formula to shield prices from European market swings, and a technical and legal commission was proposed to clear remaining issues. Gas Purchase MoU Signed: Afghan Gas and Turkmenistan’s Türkmengaz signed an MoU on TAPI gas purchases, setting the framework for price, demand and distribution. Russia-India Rail Idea Reaches Turkmenistan: Russian Deputy PM Marat Khusnullin floated exploring a direct rail corridor to the Indian Ocean that could run through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to reduce exposure to the Bosphorus and Strait of Hormuz disruptions; the plan remains exploratory with no confirmed route, timeline or passenger service. Caspian Legal Status Heads to Iran’s Parliament: Iran confirmed it has sent the 2018 Caspian Sea legal-status convention for ratification, saying it’s not tied to the war and that parliament will decide. Turkmen Caspian Offshore Output: Turkmenistan reported commercial gas from the Magtymguly field after appraisal/production well A8, supporting continued upstream growth in the Caspian sector. Regional Security in Iraq: Kirkuk authorities said they are restructuring deployments in Tuz Khurmatu and Daquq, shifting operational responsibility from the East Saladin Operations Command to the Kirkuk Operations Command.

TAPI Acceleration: Afghanistan and Turkmenistan signed a memorandum on gas purchases under the TAPI pipeline in Torghundi, with both sides pushing for agreement on pricing and a long-term contract framework that shields prices from European market swings. Regional Energy Diplomacy: Kabul and Ashgabat also agreed to set up a senior-led technical committee to speed up TAPI and related transport links, including fibre-optic and railway projects, while discussing gas distribution and jobs in Herat. Caspian Energy Update: Turkmenistan reported commercial gas from the Caspian Magtymguly field after appraisal/production well A8, underscoring continued upstream momentum in the offshore sector. Russia–South Asia Connectivity Plan: Russia’s Deputy PM Marat Khusnullin floated a rail corridor to the Indian Ocean that could run through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, aiming to reduce exposure to Strait of Hormuz and Bosphorus disruptions—still at the exploratory stage. Iran Security & Legal Moves: Iran confirmed a former IRGC commander as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and moved to send the long-delayed Caspian Sea legal convention to parliament for ratification amid heightened regional tensions. Turkmenistan Public Life: Preparations for the Halk Maslahaty session continue nationwide, with Mary velayat events highlighting the forum as a “national model of democracy.”

Caspian Energy: Turkmenistan recorded commercial gas flow at the Magtymguly field in the Caspian after appraisal/production well A8 tested at over 1.3 million cubic metres of gas per day, with condensate output, under Block 1’s PSA operated by PETRONAS with Turkmennebit and UAE’s XRG. Regional Security (Iraq): In Kirkuk and disputed Tuz Khurmatu/Daquq, Iraqi authorities are set to restructure deployments, shifting operational responsibility from the East Saladin Operations Command to the Kirkuk Operations Command, while Turkmen leaders urge Baghdad to keep federal forces to avoid renewed tensions. Turkmenistan Governance: Preparations for the upcoming Halk Maslahaty session are underway across velayat/city/etrap administrations and political parties, with Mary velayat hosting conferences framing the forum as a “national model of democracy,” and an international media section planned via the Embassy in Türkiye and Turkic World to cover proceedings. Diplomacy & Law: Iran has moved to send the long-delayed 2018 Caspian Sea legal-status convention to parliament for ratification, reviving Tehran’s contested historical claims amid heightened regional tensions. Connectivity Watch: Russia’s deputy PM Marat Khusnullin floated exploring a rail route to the Indian Ocean via Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to reduce dependence on Hormuz/Bosphorus. Education & Youth: Turkmen schoolchildren won 10 awards (6 gold, 4 silver) at the IWISE Global Final London 2026 in robotics.

Rail & Trade Diversification: Russia’s Deputy PM Marat Khusnullin says Moscow should explore a direct rail link to the Indian Ocean—and possibly India—using corridors through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to cut exposure to the Bosphorus and Strait of Hormuz amid shipping disruptions. Iraq Security Reshuffle (Kirkuk): Iraq is dissolving the East Tigris Operations Command covering areas from Dakuk to Tuz Khurmatu, with responsibilities to be redistributed under a new structure; local Turkmen leaders warn changes could revive tensions. Turkmenistan Education & Resilience: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education authorities expand the Green School Programme (100 new schools) and run emergency-preparedness training for frontline responders in Ashgabat. Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s deputy foreign minister meets the US chargé d’affaires to discuss UN-focused cooperation and humanitarian exchanges. Culture & International Links: A Russian theatre directing laboratory continues in Ashgabat, tied to the 100th anniversary season of the Pushkin State Russian Drama Theatre. Sports & Youth: Turkmen school teams win medals at the “IWISE Global Final London 2026,” and a young Turkmen tennis player qualifies for a Roland-Garros junior pathway event in Almaty.

Rail Connectivity & Sanctions-Era Trade: Russia’s deputy prime minister floated a new railway corridor toward the Indian Ocean, potentially linking Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, with India as the end goal—an overland hedge against chokepoints like the Bosphorus and Strait of Hormuz. Water Governance: Central Asian states approved steps to automate Syrdarya water accounting for the 2026 growing season, setting up a working group by September and reaffirming the Interstate Coordination Water Commission as the key coordination platform. Turkmenistan’s Halk Maslahaty Prep: Turkmenistan’s MFA says “Turkic World” will run dedicated international coverage of preparations for the Halk Maslahaty, with updates on speeches, decisions and initiatives ahead of the 23 September session. UN, International Law & Diplomacy: Turkmenistan-linked events in Azerbaijan highlighted the upcoming Halk Maslahaty and the UN-backed “Year of International Law, 2028,” while Turkmenistan’s deputy foreign minister met the US chargé d’affaires to discuss UN cooperation and humanitarian exchanges. Inclusive Education & Emergency Readiness: UNICEF and Turkmenistan expanded the Green School Programme to 100 new schools, while a three-day workshop in Ashgabat trained frontline responders on protection in emergencies. Regional Security Watch (Iraq): Iraq’s military moves to dissolve the East Tigris Operations Command covering Kirkuk–Tuz Khurmatu security, as local Turkmen leaders urge federal forces to stay to prevent renewed tensions.

Turkmen-American Diplomacy: Deputy FM Myahri Byashimova met U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Christine Hawkins, focusing on UN cooperation, humanitarian projects, and expanding educational and sports exchanges. Halk Maslahaty Coverage: Turkmenistan’s embassy in Türkiye backed “Turkic World” to run a dedicated, regularly updated media section on preparations for the Halk Maslahaty ahead of the 23 September session. Inclusive Education Push: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s Education Ministry advanced inclusive schooling via a week-long technical mission, targeting better teacher training and support for children with diverse needs. Emergency Preparedness Training: UNICEF and civil defence/rescue partners trained 30 frontline responders in Ashgabat on protection in emergencies, including child protection and referral systems. Water Governance in Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan approved a draft plan to automate Syrdarya water accounting for the 2026 growing season, with a working group set by September. OSCE/Switzerland Engagement: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Swiss OSCE chair Ignazio Cassis and OSCE-linked leadership, highlighting cooperation on energy, transport, environment, and water. Regional Security Signal: Iraq’s military moves to dissolve the East Tigris Operations Command around Kirkuk and Tuz Khurmatu, drawing calls from Turkmen leaders to keep federal forces to preserve stability.

Transboundary Water Governance: Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan met in the Syrdarya basin to debate reservoir limits for the 2026 growing season and approved a draft plan to automate water accounting; a working group is due by September, with Kyrgyzstan joining as an observer. Halk Maslahaty Coverage: Turkmenistan’s MFA says the “Turkic World” portal will run systematic international coverage of preparations for the Halk Maslahaty, including updates on speeches, decisions, and initiatives ahead of the 23 September session. International Law Push: A conference in Baku highlighted the upcoming Halk Maslahaty and Turkmenistan’s UN-backed initiative declaring 2028 the “Year of International Law.” Inclusive Education & Emergency Readiness: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education authorities expanded the Green School Programme to 100 new schools, while a separate UNICEF-led workshop trained frontline responders on protection in emergencies. US-Turkmen Dialogue: Turkmenistan’s deputy foreign minister met the US chargé d’affaires a.i. to review cooperation, especially within the UN, plus humanitarian, educational, and sports exchanges. Caspian Legal Tensions: Iran’s parliament begins reviewing the Aktau Convention ratification process, reopening debate over maritime rights and the legal framework for the Caspian Sea.

Halk Maslahaty Prep Coverage: Turkmenistan’s MFA says its embassy in Türkiye backed a dedicated international media section to track preparations for the Halk Maslahaty session, including speeches, decisions, and initiatives ahead of the 23 September meeting. OSCE & Swiss Ties: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Swiss OSCE chair Ignazio Cassis and highlighted OSCE cooperation on energy security, transport, environment, and water, while also stressing human rights and democratic principles. US–Turkmen Dialogue: Deputy FM Myahri Byashimova met US Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Kristin Hawkins, focusing on UN cooperation, humanitarian projects, and educational and sports exchanges. International Law Push: A conference at Turkmenistan’s Azerbaijan embassy linked the Halk Maslahaty agenda with the UN-backed “International Year of International Law, 2028” initiative. Caspian Legal Framework: Iran’s parliament review of the Aktau Convention has reignited debate over Caspian maritime rights, with the treaty requiring ratification by all five littoral states. Regional Energy Pressure: Reports warn Russia’s fuel squeeze is spilling into Central Asia; Tajikistan is reportedly boosting imports from Turkmenistan and others as Russian supplies fall. Sports & Youth: Ashgabat hosted a Turkmen–Abu Dhabi cycling camp, while 14-year-old Ali Geldiyev is set to debut for Turkmenistan in Roland-Garros junior qualifiers.

OSCE-Switzerland Diplomacy: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Swiss OSCE chair Ignazio Cassis, stressing Turkmenistan’s push to expand cooperation on energy security, transport, environment, and water management, while also highlighting human rights and democratic principles within the OSCE framework. Public Health Policy: A national roundtable in Ashgabat, with UNICEF and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, focused on strengthening exclusive breastfeeding support systems, including peer-to-peer counseling and training community volunteers. International Sports Cooperation: Turkmenistan and Abu Dhabi’s cycling club launched a joint training camp in Ashgabat through Aug. 20, with road cycling and velodrome sessions aimed at major competitions. Regional Legal/Constitutional Dispute (Kirkuk): Iraqi Turkmen and Kurdish parties traded sharp statements over Article 140’s status, warning that questioning the constitution could deepen divisions in Kirkuk. Caspian Sea Pressure: A new study links falling Caspian levels to reduced river inflows, while reporting highlights how water withdrawals and regional tensions are worsening the crisis. Energy/Transit Geopolitics: Russia floated rail links to the Indian Ocean via routes including Turkmenistan, as a hedge against Bosphorus and Strait of Hormuz risks. EU Climate Training: Turkmen specialists began an internship in Germany under an EU/GIZ “green development” project, focusing on renewable energy efficiency, methane cuts, and AI in industry. Education & International Law: Turkmenistan’s push for international law programming continues, including plans for university courses and a UN-backed 2028 “Year of International Law.”

OSCE–Swiss Diplomacy: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Ignazio Cassis, OSCE Chair-in-Office and Swiss foreign policy chief, reaffirming Turkmenistan’s “systemic” OSCE cooperation and human-rights partnership plans, while the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat welcomed Cassis on a regional tour. Public Health Policy: Turkmenistan launched the 2026–2030 national program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future,” with a two-phase rollout focused on maternal/child care, prevention, workforce upgrades, and early diagnosis. Motherhood Support at the UN Table: At an Ashgabat roundtable with UNICEF and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, Oguljahan Atabayeva pushed breastfeeding support measures, including peer-to-peer counseling and region-wide training of community volunteers. Digital & AI Cooperation: Turkmen specialists joined an AI-focused internship at Germany’s Clausthal University of Technology under an EU/GIZ climate-action project, training on renewable efficiency, methane reduction, and AI tools for industry. Consular Modernization: Belarus introduced an online appointment system for visas, criminal-record certificates, and document legalization starting 7 August 2026, easing pressure on its phone line during peak student visa season. Regional Legal Flashpoint (Kirkuk): In Iraq’s Kirkuk dispute, Kurdistan parties rejected claims that Article 140 has expired, warning that undermining the constitution could inflame community tensions. Caspian Legal Framework: Iran submitted the Aktau Caspian Sea convention ratification bill to parliament, reviving debate over maritime rights and sovereign shares among the five littoral states.

OSCE Diplomacy: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Swiss Vice President Ignazio Cassis, with Turkmenistan and the OSCE stressing expanded cooperation, energy and transport ties, and continued work on human rights and democratic principles. Foreign Policy Coordination: Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov also met Cassis, highlighting the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat’s annual project plan and upcoming high-level regional events. Public Health Policy: Ashgabat hosted a national roundtable on strengthening exclusive breastfeeding, organized with UNICEF and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, feeding into a broader push for maternal and child support. Health System Planning: Turkmenistan approved the 2026–2030 “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” program, with phased targets, workforce upgrades, and prevention-focused healthcare reforms. International Law Agenda: Deputy PM and Foreign Minister R. Meredov said Ashgabat will host a UN-backed high-level forum on international law in 2028, aiming to adopt an “Ashgabat declaration.” Regional Connectivity: Turkmenistan’s communications ministry joined a CAREC Digital Corridor consultative meeting in Islamabad, reaffirming digital transformation and cross-border connectivity priorities. Energy Project Oversight: Turkmennebit reported progress reviews on the TAPI pipeline, urging construction to meet international standards while Afghanistan reported rapid work on the Torghundi–Herat segment. Science & Skills: A Central Asia summer school in Issyk-Kul trained young hydrology and glaciology specialists on modern monitoring tools as glacier retreat accelerates regional water and safety risks.

International Law Push: Turkmenistan is moving to turn the UN’s 2028 “Year of International Law” into concrete policy, with plans for an Ashgabat International Law platform, new university and vocational courses on the UN Charter, textbooks and online resources, and a national action plan plus an interdepartmental working commission. Diplomatic Outreach: OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ignazio Cassis visited the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, praising its on-the-ground work since 1999 across arms control, border security, economic and environmental cooperation, and human rights. Regional Connectivity: Turkmenistan reaffirmed momentum on the TAPI gas pipeline, reviewing progress along the Serhetabat–Herat route and stressing work should meet international standards. Health Policy: Ashgabat approved a 2026–2030 national program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future,” with phased implementation focused on maternal and child healthcare, prevention, and workforce upgrades. Digital Cooperation: A Turkmen delegation joined a CAREC Digital Corridor consultative meeting in Islamabad, highlighting digital transformation and cross-border services. Sports & Culture: Turkmenistan’s “Arkadag” won the Super Cup again, while preparations continue in the Netherlands for the World Equestrian Championship featuring Akhal-Teke horses.

Public Health Policy: Turkmenistan has approved the new national program “Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future” for 2026–2030, with a phased rollout to strengthen reproductive, maternal and child healthcare, expand social support, and upgrade the health workforce and prevention/early diagnosis systems. International Law Push: The government is moving to institutionalize UN-backed “Year of International Law, 2028” through an Ashgabat International Platform at the Foreign Ministry, a national legal literacy drive for youth, and a 2026–2028 action plan plus a unified 2028 calendar of international legal events with the UN. Regional Energy Infrastructure: Ashgabat reviewed progress on the TAPI gas pipeline, urging faster work on the Serhetabat–Herat section to meet international standards while Afghanistan reports continued construction and staffing. Digital Cooperation: Turkmenistan’s communications ministry joined a CAREC Digital Corridor meeting in Islamabad, reaffirming plans for regional digital transformation, modern telecom upgrades, and expanded digital government services. Diplomacy & Culture: A Turkmen delegation inspected Netherlands preparations for the World Equestrian Championship and Akhal-Teke beauty contest, while Turkmen students won 6 gold and 3 silver at the IMC-2026 in Bulgaria.

TAPI Pipeline Push: Turkmenistan’s oil and gas leadership reviewed progress on the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline, urging faster work on the Serhetabat–Herat section and stressing construction to international standards, while Afghanistan reported major stretches prepared and pipeline laid. International Law Agenda: Ashgabat moved from UN endorsement to implementation, with Deputy PM/Foreign Minister R. Meredov outlining plans for a 2026–2028 national action plan, an interdepartmental working commission, and a new Ashgabat International Platform “International Law” at the foreign ministry institute—plus a UN-backed 2028 calendar of international legal events. OSCE Diplomacy: OSCE Chair-in-Office Ignazio Cassis wrapped his first official visit to Azerbaijan, highlighting dialogue and support for a peace agreement with Armenia and signaling OSCE readiness to back confidence-building in the South Caucasus. Energy Corridors Watch: A report says Russia–Iran gas talks are leaning on Azerbaijan as a preferred transit route, reviving a Soviet-era corridor logic and underscoring how post-Ukraine energy re-routing is reshaping Eurasian geopolitics. Regional Governance & Growth: Turkmenistan reported 6.3% GDP growth for the first half of 2026, while Kyrgyzstan ranked 87th in an international prosperity index and Turkmenistan placed 150th—fueling renewed debate over development priorities.

TAPI Pipeline Push: Turkmenistan reviewed progress on the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline, urging faster work on the Serhetabat–Herat section and stressing international standards as officials also discussed expanding exploration and production. Energy Diversification Watch: Malaysia’s economy ministry said it is prioritizing energy security by diversifying gas supply options and that any crude imports—including from Russia—must follow international trade rules and legitimate channels, while noting Petronas deals involving Turkmenistan gas field development. Regional Energy/Trade Connectivity: Central Asian leaders and Azerbaijan signed the Cholpon-Ata Declaration, signaling intent to deepen trans-Caspian connections and formalizing Azerbaijan’s role in the C5-to-C6 format, alongside bilateral transport, energy, and trade agreements. US Visa Bond Becomes Permanent: The U.S. made its refundable visa bond program permanent for certain B1/B2 business and tourist applicants from 50 countries, raising the ceiling to $20,000; Turkmenistan is listed among the covered states. Turkmenistan’s International Law Agenda: Ashgabat is preparing a 2026–2028 national action plan tied to the UN General Assembly’s “Year of International Law, 2028,” linking it to Turkmenistan’s neutrality and planned diplomatic and educational steps. Domestic Economy Snapshot: Turkmenistan reported 6.3% GDP growth for the first half of 2026, with the fuel-and-energy sector and construction highlighted as key drivers.

TAPI Pipeline Oversight: Turkmenistan’s oil and gas leadership reviewed progress on the TAPI gas pipeline, focusing on accelerating construction of the Serhetabat–Herat section and keeping work aligned with international standards. Social Policy & Child Protection: Ashgabat showcased its family-oriented social services model at a regional forum in Dushanbe, stressing early support for vulnerable children and stronger professional social work systems. UN International Law Push: Turkmenistan is stepping up preparations for the UN General Assembly’s “Year of International Law, 2028,” with a Cabinet package including a 2026–2028 national action plan and a concept linking international law to Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. U.S. Visa Bond Rule: The United States made its visa bond programme permanent, raising the refundable deposit ceiling to $20,000 for certain B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries that include Turkmenistan. Economy Watch: Turkmen state media reported 6.3% GDP growth in the first half of 2026, with fuel and energy still central to the growth story. Regional Connectivity Context: A broader Eurasian rail investment snapshot put Asia–Europe logistics spending at $345 billion, with Turkmenistan among the countries covered. Cultural Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s equestrian plans for the Netherlands—featuring Akhal-Teke events in Limburg on 4–6 September—were discussed with Dutch officials.