In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, the United States continues to deepen its engagement with Central Asia, prioritizing economic connectivity, energy security, and regional stability. This exclusive interview with Elizabeth Rood, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan, offers rare insights into Washington's national interests in the region, the outcomes of the … [Read more...]
On Trump’s Potential, and the Imperative of Defragmentation
Tariq Saeedi I remain a supporter of President Trump, not out of blind loyalty, but because I recognize his unique potential and proven ability to deliver on promises that conventional politicians merely talk about. His track record speaks for itself. However, as someone invested in seeing his legacy secured and his second term succeed, I believe we must examine certain … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmen People Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Meets U.S. Special Envoy Sergio Gor
On 23 January, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia and Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, according to state news agency TDH. The U.S. diplomat thanked Arkadag Berdimuhamedov for the meeting and noted the ongoing development of relations between the United … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan President Meets U.S. Army Secretary and Special Envoy in Ashgabat
On 23 January 2026, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held talks with U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and Sergio Gor, the U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia and Ambassador to India. The high-level delegation arrived in Turkmenistan on an official visit to discuss prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation. The American side … [Read more...]
Trump legacy is in tatters – There is still time to repair and polish it
Tariq Saeedi During both of Donald Trump's presidential campaigns, I supported him wholeheartedly, even though Central Asia—where I am based – is nearly as far away from the United States as possible on this globe. My backing wasn't rooted in geography or shared borders but in his remarkable ability to stand defiantly against the entire entrenched political system. As an … [Read more...]
Building a world of lasting peace through dialogue and consultation
CGTN podcast In October 2013, at a conference on work related to neighboring countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping first put forward China's fundamental policy guideline for diplomacy with neighboring countries — amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness. “Amity” stands for close and friendly relations, “sincerity” for mutual trust and honesty, “mutual benefit” … [Read more...]
Concerns Mount Over Safety of International Exchange Students in US Host Families – Word of Caution for Exchange Students from Central Asia and their Families
As thousands of students from Central Asia embark on exchange programs to the United States each year, a recent federal case in Texas has spotlighted longstanding gaps in oversight and accountability within the international student hosting system. The sentencing of a U.S. Army sergeant and his wife to probation for severe child endangerment has raised alarms about the … [Read more...]
US and Central Asian Nations adopted C5+1 Joint Statement for Economic cooperation – Critical Minerals, AI Integration and Trans-Caspian Connectivity under the spotlight
The Governments of the United States of America, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan commemorated the tenth anniversary of the C5+1 diplomatic platform with a joint statement outlining a renewed commitment to regional prosperity, sustainable development, and strengthened economic cooperation. Established in 2015, the C5+1 framework has … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan President’s Visit to Washington: Participation in the C5+1 Summit, Series of Meetings, Turkmen-American Business Forum
During a working visit to the United States from 4 to 7 November 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov participated in the “Central Asia + United States of America” (C5+1) Summit in Washington, met with President Donald Trump, and held a series of meetings with business leaders and high-ranking officials. Additionally, a Turkmen-American business forum was held … [Read more...]
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov Meets with President Donald Trump – Turkmenistan intends Trans-Caspian Pipeline review
Turkmenistan will consider advancing the long-stalled Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline project once delimitation deal on the Caspian seabed will be finalized with Azerbaijan. The statement was came during the meeting between President of the Donald J. Trump and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on 6 November 2025 in Washington DC on the sidelines of C5+1 Summit. “They … [Read more...]
C5+1 Washington Summit: The Buttons align with the Buttonholes
Tariq Saeedi President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan at the C5+1 summit in Washington, DC, on November 6, 2025. According to the early reports, here are the main outcomes of the summit: * * * The outcomes, as we know from the early reports, are encouraging in that they build on the … [Read more...]
Rubio announces plans to visit all five Central Asian nations next year
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his intention to visit all five Central Asian countries in the coming year, signaling a renewed commitment to deepening ties with the region. Speaking at a welcome reception hosted at the State Department on 5 November, Rubio addressed foreign ministers from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, along with the … [Read more...]
U.S. State Department and Kennedy Center to Host Landmark C5+1 Tenth Anniversary Business Conference Ahead of Washington Summit
As Central Asian leaders converge on the U.S. capital for a presidential summit C5+1, the US Department of State, in partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, announced it will host the C5+1 Tenth Anniversary Business Conference, according to the US Department of State. The event underscores a decade of deepening ties between the United States and … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan heads to the USA to participate in the C5+1 Summit
On 4 November 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed on a working visit to the United States of America to participate in the Summit in the “Central Asia + USA” format. As noted in a commentary by the state news agency TDH, Turkmenistan and the USA are linked by a longstanding friendly dialogue built on the principles of mutual respect and equality. Since the … [Read more...]
Central Asia Gears Up for Historic C5+1 Summit with Trump: A Mix of Optimism and Caution
Tariq Saeedi As the world watches the evolving dynamics of global diplomacy, the upcoming C5+1 summit in Washington, D.C., on November 6, 2025, is generating significant buzz across Central Asia and beyond. This gathering, marking the 10th anniversary of the C5+1 format that brings together the United States and the five Central Asian republics—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, … [Read more...]
The C5+1 Summit in Washington: Toward Forging an Inclusive U.S.-Central Asia Partnership
Tariq Saeedi The recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, on October 30 feels like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise tense international landscape. Their bilateral talks led to breakthroughs on tariffs, rare earth minerals, and trade disputes, fostering a palpable mood of reconciliation that could … [Read more...]
US-China Summit in Busan: Comprehensive Report
nCa Report Overview On October 30, 2025, President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for approximately one hour and forty minutes at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, marking their first face-to-face meeting in six years. The summit took place at the conclusion of Trump's three-country Asia tour, which also included stops in Malaysia and … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan receives invitation for US-Central Asia summit in Washington DC
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan has received the invitation from President Donald Trump of the USA for participation in the US-Central Asia summit. The summit will take place in Washington DC on 6 November 2025. According to the Watan news show of Turkmenistan, the message from Trump reads: “I would like to invite you to the White House for a meeting with … [Read more...]
New Book Reveals Shocking Truths Behind Foreign Exchange Programs: Exchange Student’s Shattered Dreams
CALIFORNIA — A powerful new book set for release this fall exposes the hidden dangers in the foreign exchange industry, detailing true stories of students who suffered abuse, neglect, or wrongful repatriation while under the care of exchange programs. Titled Exchange Student’s Shattered Dreams, the book is written by Danielle Grijalva, director of the Committee for Safety of … [Read more...]
Safety Watchdog Warns Chicago: “Gratitude” Theme of CSIET Conference Rings Hollow
Chicago, IL — The Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students (CSFES) is alerting Chicago residents to what it calls a “bogus showcase” coming to the city this October: the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) Annual Conference. This year’s theme is “Gratitude”, but CSFES says CSIET’s track record shows little of it—especially toward … [Read more...]
CSFES determinedly continues to protect Foreign Exchange Students in the USA, points flaw at the core of the system
The CSFES (Committee for the Safety of Foreign Exchange Students), a US non-profit with proven track record of successfully protecting the interests of the interests of the Foreign exchange Students in the USA has pointed out a flaw in the system. Ms. Danielle Grijalva, who founded the CSFES more than 20 years ago and continues to serve as its Director, has recently … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and the United States to Hold Political Consultations
On 24 June 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral and multilateral topics. The ministers discussed key areas of cooperation, including political and diplomatic … [Read more...]
Telephone conversation between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan with First Deputy Secretary of State
On June 22, 2025, at the initiative of the US side, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov had a telephone conversation with First Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, during which the parties emphasized the long-term positive experience of bilateral partnership between Turkmenistan and the United States of America in political, trade, economic, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry Calls U.S. Entry Restrictions a Hasty Step
Information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan for the media: In regard to information in the mass media about the introduction of a partial entry ban to the United States for citizens of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan states that such a decision brings to deep incomprehension and concern on the part of the Turkmen … [Read more...]
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Meets with Executive Director of the Turkmenistan–USA Business Council
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, held a meeting with Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the Turkmenistan–USA Business Council. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the current state and future prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and U.S. companies, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Key … [Read more...]
Tariff Tussles will reshape World Markets
nCa Commentary Tariq Saeedi The tariff tussle is more than just tit-for-tat. The main participants of this tug of war – USA and China – are actually aware of what they are doing. Even though both have different objectives in mind, in the end, both might actually win in the sense that that their diverse objectives would possibly be several steps closer to … [Read more...]
China blames ‘external forces’ for cyber-attacks during 9th Asian Winter Games
China has issued a detailed report, providing evidence of deliberate attacks by the ‘external forces’ on the critical network infrastructure of China during the 9th Asian Winter Games. The 9th Asian Winter Games were held in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province from February 7 to 14. According to log analysis and data statistics from the Information … [Read more...]
US Imposes 27% Reciprocal Duty on Kazakh Products
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 10% minimum tariff on most goods imported to the United States and higher rates on dozens of trading partners, including a 27% reciprocal tariff on imports from Kazakhstan, during an April 2 speech at the White House Rose Garden. According to Trump, the higher tariffs were calculated by taking half of what he said those countries had … [Read more...]
TRUTH FOR A DIPLOMAT: Part 11: Peacekeeping face of Neutrality – When the world is on the brink of war
Dr. Begench Karaev Recently, the creative team of the famous European television company "Euronews" visited Turkmenistan. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received the correspondent of this authoritative television company Loro Bacvelli and during the interview he outlined the main directions … [Read more...]
Group of Ambassadors based in Turkmenistan goes trekking along the Health Walk
The morning of Sunday, 23 February 2025, was rather cold in Ashgabat -- parting shot of the winter. A group of ten ambassadors from the diplomatic corps based in Ashgabat decided to defy the near-freezing conditions and went trekking along the Health Walk. They were accompanied by some other diplomats and some members of their families. Health Walk is a … [Read more...]
Trump’s vision of Peace and Leadership – the reverse side of the coin
Tariq Saeedi If Trump’s concept of peace, elegantly elucidated in his inaugural speech, is the obverse side of the coin, his idea of leadership, as apparent from the nature of the Executive Orders signed on the first day of his presidency is the reverse side of the coin. This coin is clearly bi-metallic – its obverse and reverse sides are made from two different … [Read more...]
Trump’s vision of Peace and Leadership – the obverse side of the coin
Tariq Saeedi Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States, eloquently presented his vision of peace and leadership in his inaugural speech. This is the obverse (heads) side of the coin. His flurry of executive orders signed the same day, shattering the record for the most executive orders signed by a US president on his first day in office, is the reverse (tails) … [Read more...]
The Enormous Oil Ambition of Trump
nCa Report “We will drill, baby, drill,” said President Trump in his inauguration speech. “America will be a manufacturing nation once again, and we have something that no other manufacturing nation will ever have: the largest amount of oil and gas of any country on Earth. And we are going to use it. We will bring prices down, fill our strategic reserves up again, right to … [Read more...]
Trump returns to White House – A quick look at his inaugural speech – some implications for Central Asia
Tariq Saeedi Donald John Trump was sworn-in as the 47th President of the United States on 20 January 2025. This is his second term in office. He served the first term 2017-2021. The non-consecutive second term in White House is always considered an impressive feat in the American politics. During his election night victory party, Trump declared that “America has given us an … [Read more...]
Tokayev on Kazakhstan’s foreign policy: balancing interests, strengthening cooperation and finding new opportunities
Kazakhstan, recognized as a middle power on the world stage, strives to play an active and constructive role in solving global problems, supporting the principles of the United Nations and advocating multilateral cooperation. The country is a consistent supporter of the United Nations, considering this organization to be an alternative platform for tackling global challenges, … [Read more...]
The National Leader of the Turkmen people received the Executive Director of the Turkmenistan–USA Business Council
On 17 December, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with the Executive Director of the Turkmenistan–USA Business Council Eric Stewart. During the meeting, Eric Stewart expressed the great interest of the US business community in working in the Turkmen market. He also shared his impressions of the Turkmen … [Read more...]
Turkmen-American Business Forum held in Ashgabat
On Monday, 16 December, a Turkmen-American business Forum was held in Ashgabat, bringing together representatives of the business circles of both countries. The forum was attended by a delegation of American businessmen, headed by Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the Turkmen-American Business Council. Turkmen officials welcomed the visit of Mr. Stewart, viewing it as a … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan met with American businessmen
On Monday, 16 December 2024, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the Turkmen-American Business Council, Chabu Leiko, President for Strategic Cooperation in Central Asia at John Deere Walldorf GmbH & Сo.KG " and Nikolay Yurchenko, the head of the company "Westport Trading Europe". Businessmen arrived in Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan received a U.S. senator
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with US Senator Steve Daines from Montana, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The meeting focused on exploring avenues for expanding bilateral relations. Both sides emphasized the importance of developing mutually beneficial cooperation between Turkmenistan and the US. The American side underscored the US's … [Read more...]
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held an online meeting with the Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources
On 7 November 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a videoconference meeting with the Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt. During the meeting, the sides stressed the constructive nature of relations between the two countries, especially in such areas as trade and economy, energy, transport, logistics and … [Read more...]
The leadership of Turkmenistan congratulated Trump on his election as President of the United States
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov extended their congratulations to the newly elected President of the United States Donald Trump. The congratulatory messages note that Turkmenistan highly appreciates the current level of relations with the United States of … [Read more...]
Turkmen education delegation visits U.S. – the possibilities of opening branches of American universities in Turkmenistan discussed
Turkmenistan is actively seeking to expand its international higher education partnerships. A recent delegation led by Deputy Minister of Education of Azat Atayev visited the United States to explore opportunities for collaboration and the potential establishment of American university branches, the newspaper "Neutral Turkmenistan" writes. Meeting at the State … [Read more...]
Volt Typhoon III report of China highlights US cyber operations
The Chinese media including the China Daily has recently published a report issued jointly by the National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center of China and the National Engineering Laboratory of China for Computer Virus Prevention Technology. The report is titled: Volt Typhoon III: ”A Cyber Espionage and Disinformation Campaign conducted by US Government … [Read more...]
A meeting with the US Ambassador was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
On September 18, 2024, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Turkmenistan Elizabeth Rood. During the meeting, the parties discussed topical issues of bilateral partnership between Turkmenistan and the United States on a wide range. At the same time, the … [Read more...]
CSFES raises alarm on treatment of foreign exchange students in the USA
CSFES, the voluntary organization that protects the interests of the foreign exchange students in the USA, has raised alarm on a number of issues. Ms. Danielle J. Grijalva, the Director of CSFES (Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students), has brought up the problems of a number of the foreign exchange students and the apathetic way the State Department has been … [Read more...]
New U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan identifies key areas of work
The newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ms. Elizabeth Rood, held her first press briefing today at the new complex of the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat. During the meeting with journalists, she outlined the main priorities of her activities. Ambassador Rood highlighted four key areas of work: combating climate change, developing the economic sector, security issues … [Read more...]
To former Exchange Students Hosted by Cecilia and Coreydon Stepaniak in Texas: If you are a victim or witness to any incidents during your stay, please contact CSFES urgently.
The FBI has arrested El Paso Couple – Cecilia and Coreydon Stepaniak – for Alleged Child Abuse. Fort Bliss soldier and his wife are in custody. CSFES (Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students), the voluntary organization protecting the interests of the foreign exchange students in the USA, has put in considerable work to mobilize the law enforcement authorities in … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan expresses concern about the attempt on Donald Trump’s life
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan issued a press statement, stressing that Turkmenistan has expressed deep concern about the news of an attempt on the life of the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump. The Turkmen side strongly condemns this act of violence and wishes Donald Trump a speedy recovery. Turkmenistan is an active participant in … [Read more...]
Sending your child to USA as Exchange Student? Be wary of unscrupulous placement services and irresponsible, even dangerous, host families
nCa Report It is the dream of many teenagers to go to the United States as an exchange student. For some it can turn into a nightmare. The cost of sending an exchange student to the USA for a school year is approximately USD 12000-15000. There are also additional expenses. Unless there are grants or scholarships available, an average family in Central Asia needs to save … [Read more...]
UNDP and the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan convene the First Coordination Meeting of the Development Partners Sustainable Economy and Finance Group
Ashgabat, 28 May 2024: Today, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan jointly held the inaugural hybrid meeting of the Sustainable Economy and Finance (SEF) Working Group. Established under the Development Partners Coordination Group (DPCG), the SEF Working Group aims to enhance the effectiveness of international organizations and … [Read more...]