Operational Updates

U.S. Officials Hold Call with Turkmenistan Foreign Minister on Regional Security and Economic Ties

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Key takeaways

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Sergio Gor spoke with Turkmenistan Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov.
  • The call focused on progress toward enhancing regional security and economic prosperity in Central Asia.
  • Secretary Rubio emphasized the United States’ commitment to partner with Turkmenistan to grow business ties.
  • The discussion was framed as part of strengthening the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Turkmenistan.
  • The readout is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott and was published January 30, 2026.

Follow Up Questions

Who is Special Envoy Sergio Gor and what is his role in U.S. diplomacy?Expand

Sergio Gor is the U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia (and concurrently U.S. Ambassador to India). In that capacity he leads high‑level U.S. engagement across South and Central Asia—traveling to capitals, negotiating with regional governments, and promoting U.S. goals (stability, economic ties, and security cooperation). He was appointed in 2025 and has a background in White House personnel and political/communications roles.

Who is Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and what is his role in Turkmenistan’s government?Expand

Rashid (Raşit) Meredov is Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (in office since 2001) and a Deputy/First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers (a senior vice‑premier role). He is Turkmenistan’s chief diplomat and a senior member of the government who conducts foreign policy and represents Ashgabat in international talks.

What specific issues are meant by "regional security" in Central Asia in this context?Expand

The readout’s phrase “regional security” refers broadly to Central Asian priorities the U.S. raises with partners—counterterrorism and transnational crime, border and crisis stability (including spillover from Afghanistan), energy‑and‑transport security, and cooperative crisis‑management. (The State Department frames Special Envoy visits and C5+1 work around these issues.)

What types of "business ties" did the U.S. and Turkmenistan discuss or intend to grow?Expand

The call and related travel notes say the United States aims to “grow business ties” and “strengthen economic partnerships.” That generally covers trade and investment, energy and transit projects, and U.S.–Turkmen business engagement (private‑sector meetings noted during Gor’s Turkmenistan trip). The readout does not list specific companies or projects.

Were any concrete agreements, timelines, or next steps announced following the call?Expand

No— the State Department readout does not announce any concrete agreements, timelines, or formal next steps; it is a brief public summary stating topics discussed (security, economic ties) but not specific commitments or dates.

How does strengthening the U.S.–Turkmenistan bilateral relationship fit into broader U.S. policy in Central Asia?Expand

Strengthening U.S.–Turkmen ties fits into a broader U.S. Central Asia policy of engaging the region (C5+1 and Special Envoy diplomacy) to promote stability, energy and transit cooperation, economic connectivity, and to offer alternatives to rival powers’ influence. U.S. Special Envoy travel and C5+1 business initiatives signal a policy of deeper political and economic engagement across Central Asia, including Turkmenistan.

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