U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur traveled to Turkmenistan from November 3-4, 2026. On the heels of Secretary Rubio’s historic trip to Central Asia, the visit focused on deepening commercial, energy, and cultural ties between the United States and Turkmenistan.
On November 3, Assistant Secretary Kapur met separately with National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In discussions that built on President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s meeting with President Trump in November 2025, Assistant Secretary Kapur thanked the National Leader for the opportunity to meet and underscored the United States’ support for a sovereign, independent, and prosperous Turkmenistan.
Assistant Secretary Kapur and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov co-chaired the U.S.-Turkmenistan Annual Bilateral Consultations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 3. The talks built on the shared vision the United States and Central Asian countries set out at the October 19th C5+1 Ministerial in Samarkand. The two delegations reviewed opportunities for trade, investment, and connectivity along the Trans-Caspian Corridor, as well as security cooperation and educational and cultural exchange. The United States thanked Turkmenistan for its leadership as C5+1 Secretariat co-chair in 2025–2026.
During his visit, Assistant Secretary Kapur also engaged with a wide range of partners. He met with U.S. and Turkmen business leaders to discuss how to expand American investment and commercial opportunities in Turkmenistan. He visited the American Center in Ashgabat where Turkmen citizens can access free-of-charge English-language courses and learning materials, workforce and business development resources, and American cultural experiences. Assistant Secretary Kapur also toured the site of the new U.S. Embassy compound, which reflects America’s enduring commitment to Turkmenistan. To close the visit, he joined a reception hosted by Chargé d’Affaires Kristin Hawkins with Turkmen government officials, American and Turkmen business representatives, alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, and members of the diplomatic community.
“With our two countries approaching 35 years of diplomatic relations, the U.S.-Turkmenistan partnership has never held more promise. We look forward to building an even stronger, more prosperous relationship for generations to come,” said Assistant Secretary Kapur.