U.S. Official, Turkmen President Hold Talks

U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns says he had "productive" talks with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov in Ashgabat over the weekend, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service reports.

Burns told reporters at the U.S Embassy in Ashgabat that the two discussed the fight against drug trafficking, developing civil society in Turkmenistan, and supporting stability in Afghanistan.

Burns added that the United States and Turkmenistan have a systematic dialogue on issues like human rights and freedom, which he said is an important part of intergovernmental dialogue between the two countries.

Burns also emphasized the importance of free media in fighting corruption in the country.

Burns flew to Ashgabat after a two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan.