U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan

**A Guide to the United States’ History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations: Turkmenistan** **Summary** President George H.W. Bush extended recognition to Turkmenistan in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Since the break-up of the Soviet Union, the United States has sought closer relations with Turkmenistan. In February 2007, the two countries agreed to find ways to cooperate on political and human rights reform, economic and agricultural reform, education and health care, energy, and security. **U.S. Recognition of Turkmenistan, 1991.** The United States recognized Turkmenistan’s independence on December 25, 1991, when President George H.W. Bush announced the decision in an address to the nation regarding the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Turkmenistan previously had been a constituent republic of the USSR. **Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 1992.** Diplomatic relations were established on February 19, 1992, when President George H.W. Bush announced the decision in a press statement. **Establishment of the American Embassy in Ashkabad (now Ashgabat),1992.** The American Embassy in Ashkabad (now Ashgabat) was established March 17, 1992, with Jeffrey White as Chargé d’Affaires *ad interim*.