BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 9. Turkmenistan and
the U.S. discussed strengthening parliamentary ties, improving
legislation and exchanging expert experience.
This was reflected in a press release issued by the press
service of the Turkmen government on September 9 following a
meeting between Chairperson of the Mejlis (Parliament) of
Turkmenistan Dunyagozel Gulmanova and U.S. Chargé d'Affaires ad
interim Kristin Hawkins.
The sides also reviewed the development of bilateral relations
in the political, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres,
with emphasis on educational and professional initiatives for
lawmakers.
Particular attention was paid to study visits for
representatives of the Mejlis under the Open World program, funded
by the U.S. Congress. The program provides opportunities to
exchange experience in public administration, parliamentary
digitalization and the rule of law.
Gulmanova expressed appreciation to the U.S. side for organizing
the training visits and supported continuing joint projects aimed
at applying international practices in Turkmenistan's legislative
process, the publication outlined.
Parliamentary cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United
States has increasingly centered on legislative exchanges through
the U.S. Congress-funded Open World program. In May 2026,
representatives of the Mejlis visited Washington and Helena,
Montana, where they studied the U.S. congressional system,
federalism and public administration, and held talks with Montana
Senator Steve Daines on strengthening interparliamentary dialogue
and sharing legislative experience.
The parliamentary track has been developing through regular
institutional contacts. In April 2024, the Mejlis met with the Open
World coordinator for Turkmenistan to discuss future exchange
visits and legislative cooperation, while the latest meeting with
U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Kristin Hawkins reaffirmed support for
continuing the program as a tool for improving parliamentary work,
digitalization and the exchange of legislative practices.
