Christine Hawkins to serve as Chargé d'Affaires at the US Diplomatic Mission in Turkmenistan

The US Department of State has announced the appointment of Christine Hawkins as the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the US diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan. She will begin her duties in Ashghabat as the acting head of the US mission. This decision comes in connection with the conclusion of the diplomatic tenure of US Ambassador to Turkmenistan Elizabeth Rood. According to the US foreign policy agency, during her work in Turkmenistan, she established strong partnership relations and contributed to strengthening bilateral cooperation across a number of areas.

Prior to her departure from Turkmenistan, on July 18, 2026, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Ambassador Elizabeth Rood. During the talks, the parties discussed the current state of Turkmen-American relations, as well as opportunities for the further development of cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The head of Turkmenistan's foreign ministry expressed gratitude to the diplomat for her contribution to the development of cooperation between the two countries.

The US Department of State emphasized the United States' unwavering commitment to further deepening comprehensive cooperation with Turkmenistan.

As a reminder, Elizabeth Rood's nomination for the post of US Ambassador to Turkmenistan was put forward by US President Joe Biden in August 2022. She officially took office as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in July 2024 and presented her credentials to the President of Turkmenistan on July 31 of that same year.