In response to a U.S. Government commitment to strengthen the bilateral relationship with Turkmenistan, the Office of Policy and International Affairs sponsored a well-received Workshop on Pipeline Integrity and Management for over 25 energy experts from the Government of Turkmenistan. The Workshop, held in the capital city of Ashgabat, focused on pipeline engineering and design, managing aging pipelines, assessing damage and corrosion, inspection strategies for pipeline systems, and the cost implications of pipeline repair. At the conclusion of the Workshop, Turkmenistan’s officials expressed a desire to develop national laws on the operation of pipelines and adopt regulations modeled on those discussed at the proceedings, but adapted to meet local challenges. The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Richard Miles, spoke about the importance of the U.S.-Turkmenistan relationship, while the Deputy Minister of Oil and Gas, Bayramgeldi Nedirov, noted his strong support for additional training by DOE to members from his country’s energy sector.

The Workshop also featured world-renowned industry experts who discussed a variety of issues, including international oil pipeline operation strategies, the environmental impact of pipeline construction, and compressor station management. The event received prominent media coverage from state-run newspapers and television, as well as Russian and international wire services. Overall, the Workshop was an important step in a sustained effort to promote bilateral cooperation on energy sector issues.