AGP Executive Report

White City Ashgabat 2026: Azerbaijan’s ambassador, Qismət Gözəlov, used the WUF13 spotlight to frame city-making as a bridge between East and West, pointing to Baku’s “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” and linking urban policy to climate, inclusion, transport and digital governance. Ashgabat–2045 in motion: At the same “White City Ashgabat 2026” forum, officials detailed capital upgrades under the Ashgabat–2045 strategy, including major housing commissioning plans and new residential and cultural facilities. Diplomacy, CIS momentum: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov kept meeting CIS leaders in Ashgabat—Uzbekistan, Russia, Belarus, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan—while Turkmenistan’s CIS chairmanship concept was circulated as a UN General Assembly document. Culture & youth: A large children’s art showcase celebrated “children’s happiness,” and June’s national calendar of cultural, sporting and educational events was approved. Tech in classrooms: Turkmenistan met OpenAI to discuss practical AI use and AI literacy in education.

Diplomatic Spotlight: Turkmenistan’s ambassador Esen Aydogdyyev presented credentials to U.S. President Donald Trump, with both sides pointing to expanding cooperation in trade, energy, security, and cultural exchange. CIS Momentum: In Ashgabat, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met CIS leaders’ prime ministers—Russia’s Mishustin, Uzbekistan’s Aripov, Tajikistan’s Rasulzoda, Kyrgyzstan’s Kasymaliev, Belarus’s Turchin, and Azerbaijan’s Asadov—reaffirming CIS ties and practical work, especially transport and logistics. Culture on the Calendar: June’s national program was approved, packed with children’s, environment, science, and culture-art events plus celebrations tied to Magtymguly Fragi and the 35th independence anniversary. Ashgabat 2026 Build-Up: Delegate registration for “White City Ashgabat 2026” is complete, with 800+ delegates from 55 countries and 125+ foreign companies set to join. Regional Cooperation: The EU launched BOMCA’s 11th phase in Bishkek to strengthen border management across Central Asia, including Turkmenistan. Tech & Learning: Turkmenistan discussed using AI in education with OpenAI, focusing on quality improvements and AI literacy.

June Culture Calendar: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov reviewed a Cabinet plan for June 2026, lining up nationwide cultural, musical, and sports events for International Children’s Day, World Bicycle Day, World Environment Day, Science Day, the Day of Workers of Culture and Art, and celebrations of Magtymguly Fragi—plus major independence-related festivities and a special Arkadag “smart city” anniversary event. CIS Diplomacy in Ashgabat: As the CIS Council of Heads of Government met in Ashgabat, Berdimuhamedov held back-to-back talks with Russia’s Mishustin and leaders from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and Azerbaijan, with transport and logistics—especially the North–South corridor—front and center. EU Border Cooperation: The EU kicked off the 11th BOMCA phase in Bishkek, aiming to strengthen cross-border security, customs risk analysis, and human rights and gender equality. Tech for Schools: Turkmenistan’s education ministry met OpenAI in London to discuss practical AI use in classrooms and AI literacy, alongside plans for electronic education platforms.

Construction & Cities: White City Ashgabat 2026 is adding major domestic construction partners—Röwşen Gurluşyk, Döwlet Gurluşyk, and Turkmen Bina gurluşyk hojalyk Jemgiýeti—as Silver Sponsors, signaling a push for future-ready, sustainable urban development and infrastructure modernization. Diplomacy in Motion: On the CIS sidelines in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s President met Russia’s PM Mikhail Mishustin and Kyrgyz leadership, with repeated focus on trade, transport logistics, and the “North–South” corridor. Education Tech: Turkmenistan is exploring AI for schools with OpenAI during the Education World Forum in London, discussing AI literacy and possible pilots tied to electronic education platforms. Culture & Soft Power: Turkish Cuisine Week is underway in Ashgabat with embassy events and cultural programming, while Turkmen cultural diplomacy continues through international crafts and language initiatives. Ongoing Challenges: In Kirkuk, the historic Qorya district remains socially vital, but aging infrastructure and recent building failures keep the spotlight on careful urban planning.

Nuclear Delay Watch: Rosatom says Kazakhstan’s Lake Balkhash nuclear plant needs at least a year of extra site observation to finish reports—pushing timelines as sanctions strain Russian financing and a 2026 funding deal still isn’t finalized. Diplomatic Momentum (CIS): In Ashgabat, Kazakhstan’s PM Bektenov and Russia’s Mishustin met Turkmenistan’s leadership on the sidelines of the CIS Council, with heavy focus on trade, energy, logistics, and the North–South corridor. Regional Cooperation: Turkmenistan also held talks with Kyrgyz officials on expanding energy and transport ties, while Belarus and Turkmenistan renewed cooperation across politics, transit, and culture. Culture & Soft Power: Turkish Cuisine Week kicked off in Ashgabat with embassy events and shared culinary heritage. AI for Schools: Turkmenistan met OpenAI to explore AI literacy and pilot use of ChatGPT Edu in selected institutions as education digitalization continues. Women in Diplomacy: Türkiye hosted a Turkmenistan embassy event with SHOM spotlighting women’s role in international cooperation and cultural dialogue.

CIS Parliamentary Push in St. Petersburg: Turkmenistan’s Mejlis chair Dunyagozel Gulmanova joined CIS IPA talks where the next autumn assembly is set to be held in Ashgabat, with Turkmen delegates stressing the country’s UN-recognized permanent neutrality and wider integration. Biodiversity Update: UNDP and Turkmenistan’s environment bodies are rolling out a process to refresh the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 2026–2030, with seminars across Balkanabat, Mary, Dashoguz and Turkmenabat. EAG Money-Laundering Forum: Ashgabat hosted the 5th Forum of Parliamentarians of EAG member states, focusing on strengthening financial security systems and implementing reforms, including the Law “On Virtual Assets.” Culture & Youth on the Move: Turkish Cuisine Week drew diplomats and Turkmen culture officials to Ashgabat, while a youth “smoke-free” workshop backed tobacco prevention through peer-led mini campaigns. Trade Hub Debate: A broader discussion asks whether Central Asia can become the next major trade hub as infrastructure and connectivity projects expand.

Iraqi Turkmen Momentum: A Turkmen-origin governor has been elected in Kirkuk after nearly a century, and the piece argues this could spark fresh gains for Turkmens across Iraq’s Kurdistan Region—especially as Ankara’s ties with the PUK appear to be thawing. Turkmenistan–Romania Diplomacy: Ashgabat’s ambassador met Romania’s foreign minister to expand cooperation across politics, trade, transport, culture, education, energy, and UN-level initiatives. Cotton Harvest Pressure: Reports say state employees are being forced back into the cotton campaign, with teachers, doctors, and others ordered to work or pay for replacements. Youth Health Push: In Ashgabat, young people led a “Smoke-Free” workshop ahead of World No Tobacco Day, designing anti-nicotine mini-campaigns. Culture on Display: Constitution and National Flag Day celebrations continue with exhibitions and public events, while Turkmen art also appears abroad, including at Azerbaijan’s “Hary Bülbül” festival.

Football & Identity: Dropped Iran striker Sardar Azmoun posted a message saying he loves Iran and is backing the World Cup squad despite being left out of the preliminary team, after earlier media reports tied his absence to an injury and past social-media controversy. Youth Health Push: In Ashgabat, young people led a “Generation Smoke-Free” workshop ahead of World No Tobacco Day, designing peer-led mini campaigns to counter nicotine addiction. Cotton Harvest Pressure: Reports say Turkmen authorities are again mobilizing state employees for the cotton harvest, forcing teachers, doctors, and municipal workers to work in fields or pay for replacements from their own salaries. Diplomacy & Culture: Turkmenistan’s ambassador to Romania met Romania’s foreign minister to expand cooperation across transport, trade, culture, education, and energy. Big-Stage Planning: Ashgabat is gearing up for White City Ashgabat 2026 (24–25 May), with expectations of 650+ delegates from 55 countries.

Cotton Harvest Pressure: Turkmen authorities have again mobilized public-sector workers for the annual cotton campaign, pushing teachers, doctors, and municipal staff to harvest or pay for replacement labor from their own salaries, with reports saying even limited past relaxations have been dropped. Independence Momentum: As Turkmenistan moves toward the 35th anniversary of independence, officials highlight new achievements tied to seasonal work and agriculture, alongside a steady stream of cultural and international events. Culture on the Move: Turkmen national art continues to travel—ensembles took part in Azerbaijan’s “Hary Bülbül” festival in Shusha—while Constitution and National Flag Day celebrations fill venues and museums across the country. International Linkages: Turkmenistan also keeps building education and city-development ties abroad, from London’s Education World Forum to preparations for Ashgabat’s White City 2026 urban conference.

NGO Diplomacy in Baku: Turkmenistan joined the II Cooperation Forum of NGOs of the Organization of Turkic States in Baku, with its civil-society delegates discussing practical work on sustainable development, environmental protection, urbanization, youth cooperation, and public diplomacy. Security Talks: China signaled it wants deeper Central Asia cooperation on counter-terrorism, telecom fraud, and immigration management, as ministers met in Astana. Green Energy Focus: A new look at the region’s energy shift highlights big investments in solar, wind, hydropower and green hydrogen—while noting water limits and political risk still bite. Tech and Industry: Turkey is pushing a bigger drone role in Central Asia via industrial partnerships, with Kazakhstan singled out for overseas ANKA production and maintenance. Education Abroad: Turkmenistan’s education delegation is in London for the Education World Forum 2026, sharing how climate resilience and environmental learning are being built into schools and universities. Urban Showcase: Ashgabat is gearing up for White City Ashgabat 2026 (May 24–25), pitching a “resilient, smart, globally connected” capital to international investors and planners.

Iran Watch in London: A Kurdish affairs center hosted a British Parliament panel, “Iran’s Future,” urging a “pluralist and democratic” path and calling for real ties with democratic opposition groups while highlighting rights issues for Kurds, Balochs, Ahwazi Arabs, South Azerbaijanis—and Turkmens inside Iran. Turkmen Education Abroad: A Turkmen delegation led by Deputy Education Minister Azat Atayev is in London for the Education World Forum 2026, sharing work on climate resilience and environmental education, plus scalable digital learning and training for teachers and IT staff. AI Snapshot: A new global map shows AI use surging in 2026, with the UAE leading and Europe dominating many top adoption markets—while the U.S. lags in everyday uptake. Turkiye–Kazakhstan Energy Link: Talks in Astana underline how the Middle Corridor and Caspian energy routes are reshaping regional ties, with culture and cooperation moving alongside trade and transport. Turkmenistan Culture at Home: Constitution and National Flag Day celebrations continue across the country, with exhibitions, theater schedules, and public events reinforcing national symbols.

Culture in Motion: Turkistan hosted a purebred dog exhibition spotlighting Turkic-region breeds, from the Turkmen alabay to Kazakhstan’s tazy, with Deputy Prime Minister Aida Balayeva attending—another reminder that everyday traditions are being curated as public culture. Turkic Diplomacy Watch: Kazakhstan rejected turning the Organization of Turkic States into a military alliance, stressing the bloc as a trade, tech, digital, cultural, and people-to-people platform—while an OTS summit in Turkistan still exposed “strains beneath unity.” Flag & Constitution Celebrations: In Tbilisi, the Television Tower lit up in Turkmenistan’s flag colors for Constitution and State Flag Day, and across Ashgabat museums and theaters rolled out exhibitions and performances tied to the holiday. Education & Youth: Environmental events reached schoolchildren in Ashgabat, while Turkmenistan’s education ties abroad kept expanding through conferences and training links with partners like Japan and China.

OTS Identity Debate: Kazakhstan’s president rejected turning the Organization of Turkic States into a military alliance, stressing the bloc is for trade, tech, digital, culture, and people-to-people ties. Turkmenistan Flag Abroad: In Tbilisi, the Television Tower was lit in Turkmenistan’s state flag colors for Constitution and State Flag Day—another visible sign of Turkmen–Georgian friendship. Culture on the Move: Ashgabat’s Constitution/Flag celebrations keep rolling with exhibitions and theater listings, while a new international cultural thread runs through the week: “Kharibulbul” in Shusha featured dance ensembles from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Regional Pulse: Kabul youth complain of unemployment and nepotism under the Taliban, adding a stark contrast to the week’s focus on culture, education, and cooperation.

UK Royal Visit: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has arrived in London at the invitation of the British Royal Family, holding high-level talks at Windsor Castle with King Charles III and royal figures, with a clear focus on strengthening bilateral ties, spotlighting Turkmen cultural heritage, and boosting cooperation in horse breeding—especially the world-famous Akhal-Teke, with hopes for Turkmen horses to compete in the UK in 2027. National Culture & Holidays: Ahead of Turkmenistan’s Day of the Constitution and State Flag, museums and theaters across Ashgabat are staging exhibitions, conferences, and performances, while artists’ works celebrate “peaceful skies” and the symbols of statehood. Education & Youth: Environmental events in Ashgabat schools and new science-and-technology forums underscore a push to train the next generation for sustainable development. International Links: Turkmenistan’s cultural diplomacy also continues abroad, including education cooperation talks with Japan.

Constitution & Flag Celebrations: Turkmenistan is marking the Day of the Constitution and the State Flag with a wave of museum shows, student art, and theater performances—highlighting paintings like “Music of Happiness” and exhibitions dedicated to the country’s symbols across velayats and Ashgabat. Cultural Diplomacy: The “Kharibulbul” International Music Festival continues in Shusha, with Azerbaijani, Uzbek, and Turkmen ensembles sharing stage and reinforcing Turkic cultural ties. Education & Exchange: Turkmenistan’s education cooperation abroad stays active, from Japan-focused STEM and language plans to conferences on Turkmen language and culture in Kyrgyzstan. Regional Links: In the Turkic world, leaders are pushing deeper cooperation through the OTS—while Kazakhstan and Türkiye expand deals across energy, trade, transport, and technology. Ongoing Watch: Reports again raise concerns about forced labor in Turkmen cotton harvests, keeping the issue in the spotlight.

FIFA World Cup “fleecing” fears: A new report warns the 2026 tournament could become a magnet for scams and hassle, spotlighting travel risk after a US “violent and abusive immigration crackdown” advisory flagged possible entry denials, arrests, and deportations for targeted groups. Turkmenistan culture on stage: As the Day of the Constitution and State Flag nears, Ashgabat’s theaters roll out special performances across drama, music-drama, Russian drama, and puppet stages. Education with a green theme: A Turkmen university held an environmental event for schoolchildren, using games and Q&As to push water/energy saving and waste reduction. Diplomacy through education: Turkmenistan and Japan discussed expanding student quotas, STEM and AI training, teacher exchanges, and Japanese language centers in Ashgabat universities. Regional culture diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s observer status at ICESCO and its push for ISESCO heritage strategies keep cultural ties tied to international forums.