US and Turkmenistan Explore New Gas Routes Across the Caspian
US and Turkmen diplomats focused on expanding trans-Caspian connectivity and promoting energy export diversification during annual consultations in Ashgabat. Turkmen officials are signaling a strong desire to improve trade ties with both South Asia and the West, while maintaining the country’s long-standing status as a neutral state. Visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central…
In Ashgabat, US and Turkmen diplomats gathered for annual consultations centered around expanding trans-Caspian connectivity and diversifying energy exports. Turkmen officials expressed a keen interest in strengthening trade relations with South Asia and the West, while affirming their status as a neutral state. On November 3, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia S. Paul Kapur met with Turkmenistan's paramount leader, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, before engaging in comprehensive discussions with Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov.
Neither side disclosed specifics, but both sounded optimistic about the talks. A US Embassy statement highlighted "positive momentum" in US-Turkmenistan relations, citing commercial ties, energy cooperation, and regional connectivity. Turkmen news agency TDH described US-Turkmen economic relations as "fruitful," noting that diversifying energy supply routes was a key agenda item for the consultations.
For years, Turkmen energy officials have shown interest in shipping substantial volumes of natural gas westward. In the days leading up to the talks, Ashgabat officials hoped to secure American assistance and investment for improving the country's energy extraction infrastructure. Meanwhile, American officials sought a commitment from Turkmenistan to participate in a long-discussed trans-Caspian pipeline, which would require Turkmen participation for economic viability.
Turkey's envoy in Ashgabat, ener Cebeci, announced in late October that the two countries would resume energy trade and explore developing new transit routes for Turkmen gas to Europe via Turkey. However, Turkmen officials cautioned that settling their shared Caspian seabed boundary with Azerbaijan was a prerequisite for any pipeline project.
The TDH report commended US attention and support for the TAPI pipeline, which aims to carry Turkmen gas to Pakistan and India via Afghanistan. Turkmenistan's Minister of Railways, Mammet Akmammedov, stated that the government aims to position the country as a multi-modal transit hub, focusing on purchasing new locomotives, improving rail infrastructure, and digitizing customs procedures.
In October, Wabtec, a Pittsburgh-based locomotive manufacturer, made sales to several Central Asian states, including Turkmenistan. US trade officials have been discussing potential engine purchases with Turkmen railways. Ashgabat has expressed eagerness to attract US investment, adhering strictly to US sanctions on Iran while looking to harmonize transport procedures with the global TIR system.
Additionally, Turkmenistan seeks to bolster its Caspian merchant fleet and improve dredging capacity to maintain current traffic volumes. The Foreign Ministry emphasized the desire to expand business-to-business contacts with American companies and enhance educational and scientific exchanges, aiming for practical results beyond optimistic rhetoric.
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