US and Turkmenistan Explore New Gas Routes Across the Caspian

US and Turkmen diplomats focused on expanding trans-Caspian connectivity and promoting energy export diversification during annual consultations in Ashgabat. Turkmen officials are signaling a strong desire to improve trade ties with both South Asia and the West, while maintaining the country's long-standing status as a neutral state. Visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia S.

Paul Kapur met November 3 with Turkmenistan's paramount leader, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, before holding comprehensive discussions with Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov. Reports on the talks offered by both sides did not provide specifics but sounded optimistic. A US Embassystatement touted "positive momentum in the US-Turkmenistan relationship," citing "commercial ties, energy cooperation, and regional connectivity." A reportpublished by the official Turkmen news agency TDH characterized US-Turkmen economic relations as "fruitful."