The U.S. Department of State announced that Christine Hawkins has been appointed Acting Chief of Mission to Turkmenistan, assuming her duties as Chargé d'Affaires in Ashgabat. This decision was made in connection with the completion of the diplomatic mission of Ambassador Elizabeth Rood, who, according to the US State Department, during her time in the country established strong partnerships and contributed to strengthening cooperation in a number of areas of bilateral interaction.

Before leaving the country on July 18, 2026, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Ambassador Rud. During the conversation, the parties discussed the current state of Turkmen-American relations, as well as prospects for further cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. The head of Turkmenistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the diplomat for his contribution to the development of partnership between the two countries.

The State Department emphasized that the United States reaffirms its unwavering commitment to further deepening comprehensive cooperation with Turkmenistan.

As a reminder, Elizabeth Rood was nominated by President Joe Biden for the post of US Ambassador to Turkmenistan in August 2022. She assumed her duties as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in July 2024, presenting her credentials to the President of Turkmenistan on July 31 of that year.