POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS BEGAN BETWEEN TURKMENISTAN

AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

On December 15, 2020, three-day political consultations between the Foreign policy
agencies of Turkmenistan and the United States of America in the format of a video
conference started.
The main vectors of bilateral cooperation are on the agenda, in particular, security
issues, trade and economic ties, the humanitarian spectrum.
Opening the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R.Meredov
outlined the Turkmen-American relations, which are acquiring positive dynamics of
development. It was noted that President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly
Berdimuhamedov highly characterized the relations of Turkmenistan with the
United States at the last meeting of the Government. In particular, noting that “the
United States is one of the important trade, economic and foreign policy partners of
Turkmenistan, with which interaction is carried out in the field of ensuring regional
security, combating serious threats and challenges, as well as in other areas.”
On the first day of political consultations, cooperation in the field of security was
discussed. The parties reviewed the results of interaction and outlined priority areas
of cooperation for the future.
The principle of security integrity was voiced, which Turkmenistan adheres to on
the basis of its neutral status. It was noted that Turkmenistan came up with a number
of initiatives to ensure security in Central Asia and the Caspian region, primarily
within the framework of the UN.
Cooperation in the field of border protection and combating illegal drug trafficking
was considered. It was emphasized that Turkmenistan is an active participant in
almost all international legal acts in the field of countering drugs. Also,
Turkmenistan is a member of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs for 2020-
2023.
The parties discussed issues of regional and international security, emphasized the
growing threat of terrorism in the world.
Particular emphasis is placed on peace building in Afghanistan. The initiative of the
President of Turkmenistan on the country’s readiness to provide its political space
for the establishment of peace negotiations between the Government of Afghanistan
and the relevant parties was emphasized.
In this context, the effectiveness of interaction formats such as “Central Asia +
USA” and “Turkmenistan-USA-Afghanistan” was highlighted.
During the meeting, the parties expressed their commitment to further strengthening
cooperation in ensuring security, including through cooperation between the
specialized structures of the two countries.

THE HUMANITARIAN ASPECTS OF COOPERATION BETWEEN
TURKMENISTAN AND THE USA WERE CONSIDERED

On December 16, political consultations between Turkmenistan and the United
States of America continued in the format of a video conference.
In particular, the meeting participants discussed humanitarian issues. Turkmenistan
actively cooperates with the United States on issues related to human rights and
maintains an open dialogue in this area.
The delegation of Turkmenistan headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs R.
Meredov presented a detailed overview of the measures taken in the country to
protect and maintain human rights and freedoms, taking into account the national
and cultural characteristics of the country. Particular emphasis is placed on
respecting rights at work in accordance with international labor standards and in
cooperation with the International Labor Organization.
During the meeting, the practical actions of Turkmenistan to ensure freedom of
religion and other fundamental human rights were reflected. Specific examples of
socio-economic and legal reforms carried out in the country were given. The
importance of the Interdepartmental Commission on ensuring Turkmenistan’s
compliance with international obligations in the area of human rights and
international humanitarian law was emphasized.
In addition, Turkmenistan closely cooperates with international and regional
structures in countering the threats and challenges of our time, including the fight
against human trafficking.
During the political consultations, educational and cultural ties were also discussed.
The parties exchanged views on expanding the range of cultural cooperation,
including the protection and rational use of cultural and historical heritage sites.
TRADE AND ECONOMIC TIES WERE DISCUSSED IN THE FINAL PART
OF THE POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN TURKMENISTAN

AND THE UNITED STATES

On December 17, 2020, the final stage of political consultations between
Turkmenistan and the United States took place in the format of a video conference.
From the Turkmen side, the meeting was attended by the heads and representatives
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the
Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, as well as the Union of
Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. The US delegation was led by
Dan Negrea, a senior State Department official.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the current level of trade-economic
cooperation and exchanged views on expanding partnership in areas of mutual
interest.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R.Meredov
emphasized that trade-economic ties are one of the main areas of joint activities of
the two countries. He spoke for the further development of partnership in investment
and innovation activities, in the field of modernization of production and mutual
trade. The success of the long-term work of American companies in the Turkmen
market and the effectiveness of the Turkmen-American Business Council were
emphasized.
The participants of the meeting listened to the presentations of the parties on the
main vectors of interaction. The practical steps of Turkmenistan towards improving
the investment and business climate of the country, as well as the regulatory
framework were highlighted, which was confirmed by the reports of reputable
international financial institutions, in particular the IMF, EBRD and the World
Bank. This is also evidenced by the accession of Turkmenistan to the World Trade
Organization as an observer. The activity on the economic empowerment of women
in Turkmenistan was noted.
The parties spoke about the importance of the United States Agency for
International Cooperation (USAID), including its role in the implementation of joint
projects at the national level and within the framework of cooperation between the
countries of Central Asia and the United States “C5 + 1”. The importance of the
Investment and Trade and Investments Framework Agreement (TIFA) was also
highlighted.
During the meeting, the sides discussed the possibilities of developing cooperation
in the implementation of infrastructure projects of regional and international
importance. Potential directions include the creation of interregional transport and
transit corridors along the East-West and South-North lines with access to Asian,
European and Middle East markets, as well as the construction of the Turkmenistan-
Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and other mutually acceptable
projects.
The parties also talked about expanding partnerships in the field of environmental
safety, including the creation of production facilities for renewable energy sources
and the implementation of scientific exchanges.
Summing up the political consultations, the parties expressed satisfaction with the
positive dynamics in the development of relations between Turkmenistan and the
United States, and also reaffirmed their commitment to partnership in the interests of
global peace, security, progress and constructive development.

Embassy of Turkmenistan
Islamabad