Embassy News

U.S. Assistant Secretary Daniel Sullivan stresses “openness, economic integration, and partnership” with Turkmenistan

PAS No 191
August 14, 2007

U.S. Assistant Secretary Daniel Sullivan delivering remarks

Ashgabat, August 14, 2007 – On Tuesday, August 14, Daniel Sullivan, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs delivered a policy speech before government officials, foreign diplomats, academics and the news media at the Ak Altyn Hotel in Ashgabat.  Assistant Secretary Sullivan spoke about the importance of issues such as transparency, rule-of-law, and transportation and communications links in advancing the development of Turkmenistan and other countries in the region.  He also used examples of other countries that have successfully developed politically and economically through strong partnership with the United States and the international community.

Sullivan noted, “America is interested and willing to join with Turkmenistan in trade and investment, and to help where we can in your transition to a more outward-looking and dynamic country.”  The full text of the speech is available at http://turkmenistan.usembassy.gov/transcript20070814.html. 

On Tuesday, Assistant Secretary Sullivan also held official meetings with President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as other senior officials in the government of Turkmenistan to discuss economic cooperation, reform, and trade. 

Assistant Secretary Sullivan’s State Department Bureau is responsible for international trade and investment policy; international finance, development, and debt policy; economic sanctions and combating terrorist financing; international energy security policy; international telecommunications and transportation policies; and support for U.S. businesses and the private sector overseas.  Mr. Sullivan has served in his current position since June 2006.