Ashgabat, February 23, 2026 – The Europe Today: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, has concluded an official visit to the United States marked by high-level meetings with prominent business leaders and discussions aimed at strengthening Turkmen–U.S. cooperation across multiple sectors.
Upon arrival in the United States, Berdimuhamedow was warmly received at the international airport of the host country. During the visit, he held a series of meetings with leading representatives of American business circles, focusing on expanding mutually beneficial partnerships.
Talks with Nicklaus Companies on Golf Infrastructure
A key engagement included discussions with John Reese, President of Nicklaus Companies. The parties reviewed the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the development of golf infrastructure in Turkmenistan.
John Reese expressed his pleasure at meeting Berdimuhamedow and shared positive impressions from his previous visit to Turkmenistan, highlighting the architectural development of Ashgabat.
In turn, Berdimuhamedow underscored Turkmenistan’s strategic focus on advancing elite sports, recreation, and tourism as integral components of sustainable development. He noted that the country has established modern sports and tourism infrastructure meeting international standards.
During the meeting, materials showcasing golf courses constructed with the participation of Nicklaus Companies were presented. The Turkmen side expressed its intention to build similar golf facilities in the city of Arkadag and in the National Tourist Zone Avaza.
Berdimuhamedov also visited the U.S. national golf club “Panther” and toured the “Sandhill Crane Golf Club” training center, gaining insight into course construction technologies and training methodologies.
Strengthening Investment Dialogue
The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty met with Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the U.S.–Turkmenistan Business Council. Stewart emphasized the strong interest of U.S. business circles in expanding cooperation with Turkmenistan, recognizing the country’s considerable economic potential.
Both sides identified the development of an active investment dialogue as a priority vector of interstate cooperation. It was noted that leading American companies—including Boeing, General Electric, John Deere, CASE, and Nicklaus Companies—have long participated in implementing major projects in Turkmenistan.
Meetings with Prominent U.S. Business Figures
During the visit, Berdimuhamedow also met with well-known entrepreneurs, including Steve Wynn, Isaac Perlmutter, and William Koch, Chairman of the Board of Oxbow Group. Discussions centered on elevating Turkmen–U.S. relations to a qualitatively new level and exploring new avenues for comprehensive bilateral development.
Business leaders expressed appreciation for the constructive dialogue and reaffirmed their readiness to broaden productive cooperation with Turkmenistan.
Expanding Agricultural Cooperation
Another significant meeting was held with Chaba Leiko, CEO and President for CIS and Central Asia of John Deere Walldorf International GmbH. Agriculture was highlighted as a key pillar of Turkmen–U.S. cooperation. Both sides confirmed their readiness to further expand collaboration in the agrarian sector, with assurances from John Deere of its continued responsible fulfillment of partnership commitments.
Visit to Equestrian Facilities
As part of the program, Berdimuhamedow visited the “La Victoria” equestrian complex in the United States, where he reviewed horse training methods and facilities. The visit underscored Turkmenistan’s enduring commitment to promoting its equestrian heritage and the global recognition of Akhal-Teke horses.
Follow-Up Engagement in Germany
Following the conclusion of his U.S. visit, Berdimuhamedow traveled to Germany, where he convened a working meeting with relevant officials in preparation for events planned for 2026, declared the Year of “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds.”
Special attention was given to ensuring high-level participation in the FEI World Championship 2026, scheduled for August 11–23, 2026, in Aachen, as well as an Akhal-Teke beauty contest set to take place in the Netherlands.
After completing his engagements abroad, Berdimuhamedow returned to Turkmenistan, with his aircraft landing at the International Airport of Ashgabat, marking the conclusion of a visit described as constructive and forward-looking.
Officials on both sides characterized the meetings as fruitful, expressing confidence that the discussions will serve as a foundation for new initiatives and the continued strengthening of long-term Turkmen–U.S. partnership.
