United States Ambassador to Turkmenistan Matthew S. Klimow has concluded his tenure as U.S. envoy and departed Ashgabat today. Since becoming the United States Ambassador to Turkmenistan in June 2019, Ambassador Klimow has worked to promote bilateral relations between the United States and Turkmenistan founded on support for Turkmenistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Under Ambassador Klimow’s leadership, the United States and Turkmenistan collaborated successfully across many sectors, including addressing the climate crisis through the reduction of methane emissions, promoting the adoption of international labor standards, expanding trade and foreign investment ties, bolstering educational and cultural exchange, and supporting the preservation of Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage.
The Ambassador noted that it has been an extraordinary honor to represent the U.S. President and the American people over the last five years. “I am proud that our partnership has helped to restore ancient Silk Road sites, fight climate change, strengthen regional security, promote foreign investment and, most importantly, build people-to-people ties. The interactions that my wife and I have experienced with the kind and generous people of Turkmenistan have given us memories that we will treasure for the rest of our lives.”
Following his departure, Ambassador Klimow will retire from a career in public service that has spanned five decades, including when serving in senior positions at the Department of State, NATO, and as an officer in the United States Army.
With the departure of Ambassador Klimow, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Vaida Vidugiris, assumes duty as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.