Embassy News

Under Secretary of State Reuben Jeffery Visits Turkmenistan and Promotes Cooperation in Economic and Energy Issues

PAS No 213 
April 21, 2008

Ashgabat, April 21, 2008 - The U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs, Reuben Jeffery III, is visiting Ashgabat April 20-21 to support expanded cooperation between the United States and Turkmenistan in a wide range of economic issues.  During his visit, Under Secretary Jeffery is meeting with President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and representatives of the government of Turkmenistan to discuss bilateral relations, including cooperation in the areas of economics and energy.

In his meetings, the Under Secretary commended President Berdimuhamedov for his efforts to achieve far-reaching market-economy reforms.  Mr. Jeffery stressed that “successful reforms to the economy will be critical to sustaining Turkmenistan’s development over the long-term – and to making the country a strong competitor in the global economy.” 

Additionally, the Under Secretary urged Turkmenistan to continue to work closely with multiple foreign governments and major international energy companies to develop Turkmenistan’s energy sector, and offered the support and cooperation of the United States to achieve those goals.

Under Secretary Jeffery is the senior economic official at the State Department.  He advises the Secretary of State on international economic policy, and leads the work of the State Department on issues ranging from trade, energy and aviation to bilateral relations with U.S. economic partners.