Policy & History

U.S.-Turkmenistan Relations

The United States established diplomatic relations with Turkmenistan in 1992 following its independence from the Soviet Union. Turkmenistan occupies a critical geographic juncture, sharing long borders with Afghanistan and Iran, and acts as a transportation, humanitarian, and economic link to Afghanistan and the South Asian subcontinent, advancing regional stability. Turkmenistan is a closed society with an authoritarian political system and centralized economy. Turkmenistan’s energy resources hold the potential to alleviate regional energy bottlenecks, if developed with diverse export routes. Progress toward reforms has been sporadic, and improvements will require significant time, effort, and resources.

The Government of Turkmenistan engages with the United States in many areas, including cooperation in border and regional security programs, educational and cultural exchanges, and English-language training. The government has taken some modest steps forward in human rights reform, although its overall human rights record remains poor, including designation in 2014 as a Country of Particular Concern for its poor record on religious freedom.

U.S. Assistance to Turkmenistan

U.S. foreign assistance objectives include strengthening Turkmenistan’s capacity to manage its international borders and cooperate on regional security issues, encouraging citizens to play a greater role in civil society, increasing access to quality higher education and health, and promoting private sector development and economic reforms.

A fact sheet on U.S. assistance to Turkmenistan can be found here.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Turkmenistan’s vast natural gas and oil resources continue to attract foreign companies to explore doing business in the country, but the Government of Turkmenistan has yet to implement reforms needed to create an inviting business climate where foreign investment and foreign investors are truly welcomed. Turkmenistan has signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the United States and other Central Asian countries establishing a regional forum to discuss ways to improve investment climates and expand trade within Central Asia.

The United States and Turkmenistan have a most favored nation trade agreement. The U.S. Government considers the Soviet-era dual taxation convention to continue to be in effect and applicable between the United States and Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan’s Membership in International Organizations

Turkmenistan and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and International Atomic Energy Agency. Turkmenistan is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s Partnership for Peace.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan is Matthew S. Klimow; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List.

Turkmenistan maintains an embassy in the United States at 2207 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel: (202) 588-1500.

More information about Turkmenistan is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

C5+1

The “C5+1” is the regional diplomatic platform for the Government of the United States “plus” the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan (the C5). The C5+1 enhances coordination between the United States and Central Asia to advance our shared goal: an independent, prosperous, and secure Central Asia that addresses common concerns in partnership with the United States.

Since its inception in 2015, C5+1 engagement has increased U.S.-Central Asia dialogue and cooperation at the Ministerial level, through experts’ meetings, and through thematic working groups. The C5+1 working groups – economy, energy and environment, and security – plus ongoing regional programs, training sessions, and workshops advance progress toward mutually agreed objectives.

In 2022, the C5+1 launched a Secretariat to establish formal procedures to identify and advance shared priorities, coordinate communications between participating governments, and plan high-level ministerials and other engagements. The C5+1 continues to work collaboratively to strengthen the security, stability, and prosperity of the Central Asian region.

C5+1 Joint Statements
First Joint Declaration of the C5+1; November 1, 2015
Joint Statement for C5+1 Ministerial; August 3, 2016
Secretary Tillerson’s Meeting with C5+1 Leaders (Readout); September 22, 2017
Joint Statement on the Fourth C5+1 Ministerial; September 24, 2019
Joint Statement on the Ministerial Meeting in the C5+1 Format; February 5, 2020
Joint Statement on the C5+1 Virtual Ministerial; May 4, 2021
Joint Statement of the C5+1 on the International Conference “Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities; July 16, 2021
Joint Statement of the C5+1 on Addressing the Climate Crisis; September 21, 2021
Joint Statement on the C5+1 Ministerial during UNGA 76; September 29, 2021
Joint Statement on the C5+1 Ministerial during UNGA 77; September 28, 2022