AGP Executive Report

Turkmen-Azerbaijan Strategic Partnership: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wrapped up a landmark state visit to Baku, with leaders signing a broad package of agreements spanning energy, transport, trade, customs, healthcare, agriculture, sports, labor and social protection, plus a joint statement reaffirming close ties. Cultural Diplomacy: The visit also featured high-profile cultural gestures, including Azerbaijani leaders viewing bullet-riddled busts of Natavan, Bulbul and Uzeyir Hajibeyli in Shusha—works reportedly vandalized and looted during occupation and later rescued through Heydar Aliyev’s intervention. Sports & Community: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan moved to deepen sports cooperation via a memorandum between their youth and sports bodies, while Turkmenistan’s own football Cup quarterfinals are heating up, with champions “Arkadag” and “Altyn Asyr” edging toward semifinals after big first-leg wins. Arts & Entertainment: Ashgabat’s creative scene kept busy with “Night of Ideas” at the French Institute and a State symphony orchestra concert bringing Disney music to the Palace of mukams. Poetry Across Borders: Turkmenistan’s “Days of Magtymguly Poetry” in Kyiv brought recitations and musical performances in multiple languages, linking Magtymguly Fragi’s legacy to international audiences.

Poetry Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s “Days of Magtymguly’s Poetry” brought Magtymguly Fragi’s work to Kyiv, with readings in Turkmen, Ukrainian, French and English by writers, students and scholars, linking the poet’s legacy to Turkmen cultural identity. Music for All Ages: In Ashgabat, the State symphony orchestra staged a Disney-themed concert, moving from “Lion King” to “Moana” and more, with pop singer Dovran Shammyyev and the State choir joining the storytelling. Gallery Spotlight: The “Art-bazar” showroom hosted a poetry evening for Hemra Shirov, blending his verses with music by Ayna Shirova and performances by young readers and soloists. Cultural Heritage & Sport Links: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan continued sports cooperation talks, including a planned working-group visit to Baku, while state-level cultural moments also featured Azerbaijani figures’ busts returned after vandalism. International Stage: A Turkmen sculptor’s Formula 1-inspired metal vehicle earned an invitation to exhibit at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone.

Cultural Diplomacy in Focus: In Shusha, Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Serdar Berdimuhamedov inspected bullet-riddled busts of Azerbaijan’s Natavan, Bulbul and Uzeyir Hajibeyli—vandalized, looted and even targeted for melting during the occupation, before being rescued through Heydar Aliyev’s intervention and restored after Shusha’s liberation. State Visit, Arts-Adjacent Spotlight: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan’s landmark state visit in Baku produced a broad package of agreements and a concert at a state banquet featuring Azerbaijani and Turkmen music. Music for All Ages: Turkmenistan’s State symphony orchestra, led by Rasul Klychev, staged a packed Palace of mukams concert built around Disney soundtracks, with pop singer Dovran Shammyyev and the State choir joining performances. Poetry & Performance: At Ashgabat’s «Art-bazar» gallery, Hemra Shirov’s visual poetry evening blended his verses with music by Ayna Shirova, featuring young readers and performers. Sport & Culture Exchange: Azerbaijan’s youth and sports ministry met Turkmenistan’s sports committee chair to expand cooperation, including planned working-group visits and mutual experience-sharing.

International Day of Yoga: Hundreds gathered at Ashgabat’s Yoga and Traditional Medicine Center in the Bagtyýarlyk Sports Complex for a large-scale celebration, with the Indian ambassador inviting residents to free daily training. Arts & Literature: Hemra Shirov’s “visual poetry” evening at the «Art-bazar» gallery blended his poems with music by his daughter, Ayna Shirova, featuring performances and readings by young book lovers. Classical Music for All Ages: The State symphony orchestra, led by honoured artist Rasul Klychev, staged a Disney-soundtrack concert at the Palace of mukams, drawing an equal mix of children and adults. Equestrian Heritage: A feature highlighted the Ahal-teke horse as a centuries-old national treasure and a cornerstone of Turkmen equestrian art. Cultural Recognition: A gala exhibition opened at the Exhibition Centre of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan, honoring the Day of cultural and art workers and works inspired by Magtymguly Fragi. Sports for Youth: Young firefighters competed in Gokdere’s fire-applied sports event, with Muhammetmyrat Niyazov health center taking first place.

Turkmenistan–Malaysia Cultural Diplomacy: A State symphony orchestra concert at Ashgabat’s Palace of mukams brought Disney music to a packed hall, with conductor Rasul Klychev and performances by pop singer Dovran Shammyyev and the State choir—an arts-friendly highlight amid wider cooperation talks. Magtymguly on Canvas: A new exhibition, «Culture and art – the light of the soul of Magtymguly Fragi», opened at the Exhibition Centre of Fine Arts, featuring 65 awarded artists and multiple portrait interpretations of the poet. Youth & Summer Culture in Avaza: The «Balkan» children’s health and entertainment centre in Avaza is running final vacation events, mixing excursions (water park, museums, sea cruises) with poetry, singing, music, dance, and drawing competitions. Education Milestone: Graduates were honoured at the Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly, where 1,879 specialists, bachelors, and masters completed studies across 30+ fields. Sports for Kids: In Gokdere, a fire-applied sports competition for young firefighters saw Muhammetmyrat Niyazov’s team take first place, with relay and extinguisher skills on five stages. Regional Cooperation Beyond Arts: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan exchanged multiple customs, trade-information, and sports cooperation documents in a June 22 ceremony.

Disney-in-ashgabat Concert: The State Symphony Orchestra, led by honoured artist Rasul Klychev, staged a packed Palace of mukams evening built around beloved Disney soundtracks, with performances by pop singer Dovran Shammyyev and the State choir, plus soloists and children’s choirs moving story-to-story. Magtymguly on Canvas: A new gala exhibition, «Culture and art – the light of the soul of Magtymguly Fragi», opened at the Exhibition Centre of Fine Arts, spotlighting 65 awarded artists and works that reinterpret the poet through portraits and triptychs. Youth Culture & Learning: Turkmenistan’s «Avaza» summer recreation season is in full swing, with children’s health and entertainment programming that mixes excursions, music, poetry, stage performances, and drawing. Bagshy Tradition: A feature looks at the centuries-old role of bagshy musicians as keepers of Turkmen musical folklore, from dutar and gyjak to the living repertoire passed down through generations. Fire-Applied Sports for Kids: In Gokdere, young firefighters aged 10–14 competed in practical stages—hoses, obstacles, targets, and simulated fires—organized with education and volunteer partners. Film Festival Spotlight: A joint Uzbek-Turkmen production, «Magtymguly Fragi», is featured at the Mari International Ethnic Film Festival in Yoshkar-Ola, alongside masterclasses and the new Open Eurasian Film Award.

Culture & Arts: A new exhibition, «Culture and art – the light of the soul of Magtymguly Fragi», opened at the Exhibition Centre of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan, spotlighting 65 participating artists and works inspired by Magtymguly Fragi, including portraits and triptychs. Youth & Summer Recreation: The «Balkan» children’s health and entertainment centre in Avaza is running final vacation events for 100 kids, with excursions, sea cruises, and creative competitions in poetry, music, dance, and drawing. Sports for Kids: In Gokdere, the «Beýik Serdar nesilleri» centre hosted a fire-applied sports competition for young firefighters (ages 10–14), with teams racing through hose, obstacle, and extinguisher stages. Education & Talent: A state university graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 at Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly reported 1,879 graduates completing studies across 30+ fields. Music Heritage: A feature highlights the enduring role of bagshy musicians and traditional instruments like the dutar and gyjak in Turkmen musical life. International Cultural Links: Turkmenistan’s participation in a cultural conference in St. Petersburg focused on strengthening cultural ties and creative industries, while a joint Uzbek-Turkmen film on Magtymguly Fragi screened at a film festival in Yoshkar-Ola. Bilateral Spotlight (Energy, with cultural spillover): Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Turkmenistan (June 18–19) reaffirmed energy cooperation and Petronas’ 30-year partnership, with new agreements tied to oil and gas—alongside broader MoUs spanning education, science, tourism, and air connectivity.

Magtymguly Fragi in the spotlight: A new Turkmen art exhibition, «Culture and art – the light of the soul of Magtymguly Fragi», opened at the Exhibition Centre of Fine Arts, with 65 artists honored and works portraying the poet in striking new styles. Cultural diplomacy through craft: Turkmen carpet makers and the National Museum of Turkmen Carpets unveiled a hand-woven piece inspired by Alexander Pushkin’s fairy tales—an explicit “friendship” project linking Turkmen and Russian cultural traditions. Poetry and unity abroad: Turkmenistan’s cultural presence also traveled to Tehran, where an ECO-region conference focused on Magtymguly Fragi’s legacy, highlighting themes of patriotism, unity, justice, and humanism. Sports with a cultural edge: In Gokdere, young firefighters took part in a fire-applied sports competition, showing skills across obstacle runs, hose connections, and simulated fire extinguishing. Film festival moment: A joint Uzbek-Turkmen production, Magtymguly Fragi, is screening at the Mari International Ethnic Film Festival in Russia, adding Turkmen cinema to the festival’s inaugural Eurasian award race.

Energy & Diplomacy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim says his Turkmenistan visit secured long-term energy cooperation, including Petronas’ 30-year milestone and new agreements tied to Caspian Sea blocks and 2D seismic studies—framed as a partnership built on trust and technology transfer. Bilateral Partnership: Both leaders also pledged a more structured, progressive cooperation across energy, trade, halal industry, Islamic banking, education, research, tourism, and air connectivity. Cultural Exchange: Turkmenistan’s delegation joined an international conference in St. Petersburg on strengthening cultural ties and creative industries, while film festival coverage highlights the Uzbek-Turkmen production “Magtymguly Fragi” screening in Russia. Arts & Heritage: In Tehran, events dedicated to Magtymguly-Firagi spotlight his themes of patriotism, unity, justice, and humanism. Music & Tradition: A feature on bagshy musicians traces how folk performers preserve centuries-old Turkmen musical folklore. Education & Youth: Graduates were honored at the Magtymguly-named state university, and a state “Student of the year 2026” winner was announced. Community Sports: Young firefighters competed in Gokdere’s fire-applied sports event, with Muhammetmyrat Niyazov health center taking first.

Malaysia–Turkmenistan Diplomacy: PM Anwar Ibrahim wrapped up his two-day Ashgabat visit, calling it a new chapter for energy-led cooperation and broader ties, with MoUs covering energy, trade, halal, Islamic banking, education, research, science, tourism, and air connectivity. Oil & Gas Partnership Forum: At a “30 years of mutual cooperation” forum, Anwar praised Petronas’ long-running role in Turkmenistan and framed the latest gas-field push as a step toward stable supply and continued exports. Turkmen–Slovak Commission: Ashgabat hosted the first meeting of the Turkmen-Slovak Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation, with talks spanning trade, energy, transport, IT, agriculture, healthcare, education, culture, sports, and tourism. Cultural Spotlight: A Turkmen-Slovak film collaboration, “Magtymguly Fragi,” screened at the Mari International Ethnic Film Festival in Yoshkar-Ola. Arts & Heritage: In Tehran, ECO-region figures gathered for a conference on Makhtumkuli-Firagi, highlighting themes of patriotism, unity, justice, and humanism. Education & Youth: A graduation ceremony honored the Class of 2026 at Magtymguly-named Turkmen State University, while “Student of the year 2026” went to Daniyar Emirkulyyev. Music Tradition: Coverage also spotlighted bagshy folk musicians and the centuries-old tradition of dutar and gyjak.

Diplomacy & Diaspora: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim met Malaysians in Ashgabat during his two-day official visit, urging the diaspora to stay connected and calling them “unofficial ambassadors” of the homeland. Energy & Long-term Deals: The same visit is framed around deeper cooperation with Turkmenistan and Russia, including movement toward multi-year energy supply arrangements. Film & Cultural Exchange: A joint Uzbek-Turkmen film, “Magtymguly Fragi,” is featured at the Mari International Ethnic Film Festival in Yoshkar-Ola, alongside masterclasses and an Open Eurasian Film Award. Humanities Spotlight: In Tehran, ECO-region events highlighted Makhtumkuli-Firagi’s legacy, focusing on themes like patriotism, unity, justice, and humanism. Arts Calendar: Turkmenistan’s Culture Week is set for June 22–27 in Balkanabat, with exhibitions, film screenings, theatre, and a performance of “Leyli and Mejnun.” Craft & Heritage: A Turkmen carpet project by “El Darak” and the National Museum of Turkmen Carpets weaves Alexander Pushkin fairy tales as a symbol of Turkmen-Russian friendship.

Diplomacy & Energy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Ashgabat for a June 18–19 visit, with talks expected to include oil-and-gas cooperation and the signing/exchange of key agreements, including an Air Services Agreement and science/transport MoUs. Cultural Diplomacy: A Tehran conference by the ECO Cultural Institute spotlighted Magtymguly Fragi’s legacy, while Turkmen carpet makers “El Darak” unveiled a Pushkin fairy-tales hand-woven carpet as a Russia-Turkmen friendship project. Arts & Leisure in Ashgabat: A French photographer Paul Nadar exhibition opened at the Turkmenbashy Museum of Fine Arts, and the city’s calendar also features a free classical concert at the national conservatory and events like Basketfest. Sports & Youth Culture: Turkmenistan’s UN Games push continues with the virtual opening of UN Games 2026, and the 14th Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Cup wrapped up in Ashgabat with medals for 110+ young athletes. Education & Culture Exchange: The U.S. Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy highlighted interest in AI partnerships and education links, including a Kent State MBA program with Turkmen partners.

Malaysia–Turkmenistan Dealmaking: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrives in Ashgabat for a June 18–19 visit, with talks expected to produce new oil-and-gas cooperation documents plus agreements on air services, transport, science, and education—marking Petronas’ 30 years in Turkmenistan. Diplomacy Through Sport: Turkmenistan’s UN Games 2026 kick off in a virtual opening ceremony, launched as a sports-diplomacy platform initiated by Turkmenistan. Carpet Craft as Cultural Diplomacy: The El Darak carpet company, with the National Museum of Turkmen Carpets, unveils a hand-woven Pushkin fairy-tale design—linking Turkmen weaving traditions with Russian literature. Ashgabat Arts & Leisure: A Paul Nadar photo exhibition opens at the Turkmenbashy Museum of Fine Arts, alongside a free classical concert at the national conservatory and a Basketfest event at Arkaç. Taekwondo in the Capital: Korea’s Ambassador’s Taekwondo Cup closes in Ashgabat, drawing 110+ youth athletes and reinforcing Turkmen–Korean ties. Local Talent on the Podium: Ashgabat teen Shaapbas Esgerov wins bronze in freestyle wrestling at the Asian U17 Championships.

Carpet as Cultural Diplomacy: Turkmen carpet maker “El Darak,” with the National Museum of Turkmen Carpets, has woven a hand-made piece based on Alexander Pushkin’s fairy tales—featuring Lukomorye and characters from “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”—as a friendship gesture with Russia. Ashgabat Arts & Leisure: A new French photography exhibition by Paul Nadar opened at the Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy Museum of Fine Arts (45 black-and-white images from 1890), while the city’s weekend calendar also includes a free classical concert at the conservatory and Basketfest at Arkaç. Sport & Youth Spotlight: Ashgabat’s Shaapbas Esgerov won bronze in freestyle wrestling at the Asian U17 Championships in Vietnam, reaching the podium after a strong repechage run. Taekwondo Exchange: The 14th Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Cup wrapped up in Ashgabat with medals for 110+ young athletes, underscoring growing Turkmen–South Korea ties. UN Games Launch: The UN Games 2026 officially opened in a virtual ceremony, highlighting Turkmenistan’s role in sports diplomacy and inclusion across member states. Culture Through Community: A UNICEF-linked UN volunteer story spotlights Turkmenistan’s tradition of “Yowar” (collective charitable work) as a living model for modern volunteering.

Cultural Diplomacy Through Craft: Turkmen carpet makers at “El Darak,” with the National Museum of Turkmen Carpets, have woven a hand-made piece inspired by Alexander Pushkin’s fairy tales—featuring Lukomorye and other iconic characters—as a friendship gesture between Turkmenistan and Russia. Arts & City Life in Ashgabat: A new exhibition of French photographer Paul Nadar’s 1890 black-and-white images opens at the Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy Museum of Fine Arts (running to June 23), alongside a free classical concert at the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory and a Basketfest event at Arkaç. Sports & Youth Talent: Ashgabat’s Shaapbas Esgerov won bronze in freestyle wrestling at the Asian U17 Championships in Vietnam, while Turkmenistan also fielded athletes across freestyle and Greco-Roman categories. Community & Tradition: A UN Volunteer story highlights “Yowar,” Turkmenistan’s tradition of collective charitable work, showing how volunteering continues in modern UNICEF data-visualization efforts. Tech Meets Culture: The digital logistics platform “TEX” was launched in Ashgabat, aiming to connect shippers and drivers on one online system—an unexpected but arts-adjacent sign of modernization in everyday life.

Cultural Diplomacy: Turkmen carpet makers at “El Darak,” with the National Museum of Turkmen Carpets, have woven a hand-made piece based on Alexander Pushkin fairy tales—depicting scenes like Lukomorye and the Golden Cockerel—as a friendship gesture with Russia. Science & Arts Spotlight: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was awarded professorship and elected an academician at the Academy of Sciences, with the state framing it around innovation and cultural-scientific progress. Sports & Youth Culture: Ashgabat’s Shaapbas Esgerov won bronze in freestyle wrestling at the Asian U17 Championships in Vietnam, while Turkmen athletes also featured in regional martial-arts events like the Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Cup in Ashgabat. What to Do in Ashgabat: A French photographer Paul Nadar exhibition opened at the Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy Museum of Fine Arts, alongside free classical music performances and a Basketfest event for fans of live sport and entertainment. International Games: The UN Games 2026 officially launched in a virtual ceremony, with Turkmenistan chairing the organizing committee and highlighting sport as diplomacy. Bilateral Cultural Exchange: Turkmenistan and Slovakia are moving toward a joint economic cooperation commission, with culture and sports listed among the planned cooperation areas. Arts on Screen: Azerbaijan’s feature film “Homeland” was screened at Ashgabat Cinema, drawing interest from Turkmen students and cultural figures.