Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in an Interview with Al Arabiya on Ashgabat's Priorities in Relations with the United States

February 22, 2026 | 01:45 |7045

National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty (People's Council) Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave an interview to the popular international television channel Al Arabiya. The conversation with renowned host Rizwan Khan took place in Florida and focused on Ashgabat's priorities in relations with the United States.

The main message of the interview was the pragmatic connection between the American experience and Turkmen reforms. It was noted that over the years, hundreds of economic projects, with the participation of American companies, have been implemented in Turkmenistan, or are currently underway, with a total value approaching $45 billion.

"We see enormous potential in attracting American investment and technology for the development of innovative and knowledge-intensive industries in Turkmenistan. We also note the significant potential in areas such as electric power, computer and logistics services, education, and personnel development," the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty said.

Energy strategy was a central topic. The head of the Khalk Maslakhaty (People's Council) recalled that Turkmenistan possesses the fourth-largest gas reserves in the world, and the country's current strategy is based on diversification.

The speech touched on the TAPI project: Construction of the Afghan section (Arkadagy? ak ?oly) is proceeding at full speed. The project is open to investment from interested companies, including American ones.

Regarding the Trans-Caspian vector, Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness for dialogue on gas supplies to Europe, noting the need to resolve international legal issues, particularly the delimitation of the Caspian Seabed. A Turkmen-Azerbaijani working group was established to address this issue.

The humanities section of the interview touched on the future of Turkmen youth. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov announced plans to open a specialized English-language school in the new town of Arkadag. Its curriculum will be aimed at preparing students for admission to top global universities, including Harvard, MIT, and Columbia University.

Responding to questions about the purpose of his stay in Florida, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov discussed his intentions in the areas of business cooperation, investment, and trade, as well as studying the state's experience in organizing sports.

Florida's success in building golf courses and resorts could serve as a model for new projects at the Avaza National Tourist Zone. The memorandum signed with Nicklaus Companies in 2022 is just the beginning of a large-scale partnership to create world-class tourist destinations.

Equestrian breeding has become another point of contact. The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty proposed combining the expertise of Turkmen horse breeders with that of Florida specialists. Given the state's highly developed equestrian scene, such a partnership could bring these "heavenly horses" to new sporting arenas.