Ashgabat, January 7 | ORIENT. US President Donald Trump sent a congratulatory message to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the New Year and Christmas.

The laconic lines of the formal greeting reveal the pragmatic approach of the renewed US administration toward this key player in the Central Asian region.

Context

Energy Diplomacy: In 2026, the US, under Donald Trump, will increase its emphasis on Eurasian energy security. Washington continues to closely monitor the TAPI (Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India) gas pipeline project and the export of Turkmen gas to Western markets. Turkmenistan remains a key US strategic priority as a guarantor of supply stability.

The C5+1 Format and Business Pragmatism: Donald Trump's foreign policy is known to be based on "economic feasibility." The activation of the B5+1 business platform also implies that American companies are seeking ways to localize production in Turkmenistan and develop logistics corridors.

Security and Stability: Turkmenistan, with its permanent neutrality status, serves as an important mediator in regional security matters. For the Trump administration, which seeks to minimize direct conflicts, Ashgabat's position is a valuable asset in Central Asia.

Visa Issue: Starting in 2026, Washington completely lifted previously imposed restrictions on the issuance of non-immigrant visas for Turkmen citizens, replacing them with flexible financial responsibility instruments implemented under the US State Department's Visa Bond global pilot program. (Note: This is not a "prohibition" or a "sanction." It is a financial instrument (a deposit of $5,000 to $15,000) that the consular officer may (but is not required to) require from the applicant if he or she doubts the applicant will return on time.)