2009 Alumni Reunion – Exchange Alumni Discuss Regional Education in Turkmenistan

The U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan held its annual Exchange Alumni Reunion in Ashgabat on August 8-9.  Over 60 alumni of various U.S. Government exchange programs gathered to discuss education development in rural parts of Turkmenistan.  The reunion, entitled “Remember Who You Are – Make a Change in Your Community”, explored ways to use alumni knowledge, skills, and attributes to improve education in rural communities. more

U.S. Government Donates Vehicles and Counter Narcotics Equipment to Turkmenistan

Ashgabat, August 06, 2009 – Today, the U.S. Embassy held a ceremony during which it formally delivered two TOYOTA-Corolla vehicles and 20 narcotics identification kits (NIK) to the State Counter Narcotics Service (SCNS) of Turkmenistan.   Representatives from State Counter Narcotics Service of Turkmenistan attended the ceremony.  The donation is part of the Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Program (INL).  The U.S. Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires a.i., Richard M. Miles, stated at the ceremony:  “The United States Department of State will continue International Narcotics and Law Enforcement counter-narcotics programs and also the export control... more

USAID, UNDP, and the Government of Turkmenistan Support Local Government Initiatives

Ashgabat, August 10, 2009 – On August 7, the Turkmen Parliament, in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Counterpart International, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), hosted the “World Practices of Self-government” seminar.  The seminar focused on the key principles of effective local governance and service-delivery, including budgeting and financing. Over 25 participants took part in the seminar.  Attending the seminar were representatives of Turkmenistan's Parliament, newly-elected Archinliks (members of local self-government bodies), as well as representatives of the Ministry of Adalat, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy and Development, and the Main State Tax Services. more

Under Secretary of State William J. Burns Visits Turkmenistan

Ashgabat, July 10, 2009 – Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William J. Burns and a high-level American delegation will visit Ashgabat on July 10-11, 2009 to discuss a range of bilateral issues with Turkmenistan's government leaders.  The delegation is also traveling to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan on this trip.

On July 11, 2009 Under Secretary William Burns held a press-conference in Ashgabat. Full transcript of the Press Conference and Remarks to "Turkmenistan" TV.

Turkmen Central Bank Specialists Complete USAID-sponsored study tour to Kazakhstan

Ashgabat, July 22, 2009 – Today, a group of four specialists from the Central Bank of Turkmenistan and its regional branches completed a one-week study tour to the National Bank of Kazakhstan, organized by USAID’s Project for Economic Reforms to Enhance Competitiveness. The participants learned about the Kazakhstan banking sector’s experience in the transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from the previous Soviet-era accounting system.  This is particularly significant for Turkmenistan, because the country is currently in the process of introducing IFRS to the banking sector. more

Obama Calls for a New Beginning with the Muslim World

Washington — Saying he came to seek a new beginning between the United States and the Muslim world, President Obama told an audience in Cairo June 4 that the cycle of suspicion and discord that has defined the relationship for so long must end.

Obama said he seeks a new start that is based on mutual interest and mutual respect — “one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead they overlap and share common principles, principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.” more | full-text of the speech