2001 Press Releases

U.S. Embassy Welcomes New Ambassador to Turkmenistan

Oct. 5, 2001

New U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Laura E. Kennedy arrived in Ashgabat last night  to take up her new duties. She met with President Niyazov this morning to present her credentials and plans to continue making introductory calls on governmental officials and community leaders. In an October 1st ceremony at the Department of State, Secretary of State Colin Powell officially swore in Ambassador Kennedy and expressed his confidence in her ability to broaden American-Turkmen relations, which he characterized as a very strong friendship. Secretary Powell noted in his comments that the U.S. has been and will remain a strong supporter of Turkmen independence, committed to helping Turkmenistan develop its political, human, and natural resource potential.

Ambassador Kennedy has previously served in Vienna, Armenia, Turkey, and Moscow, and in a variety of Washington assignments. While Director for Central Eurasia and Caspian energy issues, Ambassador Kennedy visited Turkmenistan from 1995 to 1997. She also traveled through parts of Central Asia with cultural exhibition programs while assigned to Embassy Moscow. Ambassador Kennedy is married to Foreign Service Officer John Feeney and is the proud mother of two children, Martin and Patrick Feeney.