Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Elizabeth Rood held her first press briefing today at the new U.S. Embassy complex in Ashgabat. During the meeting with journalists, she outlined the main priorities of her activities as the head of the American diplomatic mission.

“I am very pleased to be here in Turkmenistan as the Ambassador of the United States of America,” Rood began her speech. “Since my arrival on July 24, I have already met with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, and other key figures in the government of Turkmenistan.”

Ambassador Rood highlighted four key areas of work: combating climate change, developing the economic sector, security issues, and promoting fundamental freedoms.

Speaking about climate challenges, she emphasized: “Turkmenistan is strategically located and has a critical role to play in reducing the impacts of climate change. We very positively welcome President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s accession last year to the global methane pledge.

In the economic sphere, Rud promised to promote the creation of new opportunities: - We will work with both the government of Turkmenistan and the private sector, as well as with educational institutions of this country to create new jobs, to create new opportunities for employment, and to diversify the economy of Turkmenistan.

Touching upon security issues, the ambassador noted: - We will focus on issues such as responding to emergency situations, both natural and caused by human factors. We will do all this for the well-being of the people in this country, in order to prevent violent extremism, as well as the threat of transnational crime.

Rud paid special attention to supporting civil society: - Another area of ​​​​my work will be supporting and defending fundamental freedoms for closer interaction with the civil society. We will also focus on measures to eradicate forced and child labor.

Elizabeth Rud also expressed her intention to expand ties between the peoples of the two countries: - And another area of ​​​​my work will be expanding ties between our people, between our peoples. Last week I visited the American Corner in Mary. I was very inspired by the youth’s determination to learn more, both in the STEM fields and to develop their English language skills.

In closing, the Ambassador reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to support Turkmenistan: – Since the first days of recognizing independence and working with Turkmenistan, the United States has always had a very consistent policy. And the United States has always supported the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Turkmenistan.