Remarks to State "Turkmenistan" TV by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William J. Burns

July 11, 2009
Public Affairs Section
U.S. Embassy
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

QUESTION: What are the main directions of future cooperation between the new administration of President Obama and Turkmenistan?

UNDER SECRETARY BURNS:  It's a pleasure to be in Turkmenistan with our delegation from Washington.  We had very productive talks. We've agreed with our partners in Turkmenistan to set up a new bilateral forum or commission, a mechanism through which we can seek to make further progress in relations across a wide range of issues, including cooperation in economic development, in the energy sector, and in ways in which we can work together on Afghanistan and on our common interest in stability there.  We can work together to combat the problems of narcotics and terrorism.  And we can develop ties between our civil societies and build stronger cooperation in education, culture, as well as establish a dialogue on human rights issues.  So again, I am very appreciative of the hospitality of the President and Foreign Minister and I leave convinced that there is considerable potential for the further strengthening of relations between our two countries. 

QUESTION: Recently there was a visit of Turkmen Foreign Minister to the United States.  Can we consider your visit as a reply visit?  And could you tell us about issues you considered at your meeting with Foreign Minister today?

UNDER SECRETARY BURNS:  Foreign Minister Meredov paid a very successful visit to Washington and certainly our visit to Ashgabat is an opportunity to build on that success.  And today we had an opportunity for very thorough discussion of the range of issues in our relationship, ways in which we can establish this forum or commission that I've described before and ways in which we can work together and take practical steps forward in the interest of both the United States and Turkmenistan.  Thank you.