Embassy News

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Of State Steven Mann Visits Turkmenistan

PAS No 182
June 1, 2007

PDAS Steven Mann gives interview after his meeting with President Berdimuhammedov

Ashgabat, June 1, 2007 – Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Steven Mann concluded a three day visit to Turkmenistan from May 30-June 1, 2007.  He, along with other officials from the United States, met with President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov and other representatives of the Government of Turkmenistan, to discuss economic cooperation and reform in the country.  During the meetings, he and the delegation members emphasized opportunities for growth in Turkmenistan's economy through an improved investment climate, strengthening of the legal and financial foundations for private enterprise, as well as opportunities for expanded trade in a variety of sectors. 

Following his meeting with President Berdimuhammedov on May 31, Mann stated, “the United States wants to support the vision of Turkmenistan’s President and open Turkmenistan to the modern world of investments.”  He underlined that with cooperation Turkmenistan can attract a new level of modern, world-class investments. 

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Steven R. Mann joined the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in May 2006 following his service as Senior Advisor for Eurasia.  He is responsible for a range of foreign policy issues in the region, including region-wide energy issues.  Mann served as U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan from 1998 to 2001.