FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A green-and-white Boeing jet has been parked near a runway at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport since Sunday, drawing attention from aviation watchers.
Photos taken by an aviation observer appear to show possible damage near the tail end of the aircraft. It remains unclear what caused the extended stay.
Aaron Rosen, president of the World Affairs Council of Miami, said the visit comes as the United States renews interest in Central Asia.
“This is a very strategic region,” Rosen said. “Think of it as China, Russia, Iran and Afghanistan -- a lot of key players, tremendous access to critical minerals, especially gas. It is also a position that is critical for counterterrorism.”
Rosen pointed to a recent article published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan highlighting discussions between the country and the United States, calling them important for advancing constructive relations.
The reported visit involved Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, chairman of Turkmenistan’s People’s Council and the nation’s former president. The trip coincided with Donald Trump spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
Rosen described Turkmenistan’s leadership as a father-son power structure.
“The country is sort of run by a father-son duo,” Rosen said. “The father stepped down and allowed formal rule to his son and now maintains a position as an elder statesman.”
Turkmenistan’s government has promoted the potential for joint agricultural and industrial projects involving American companies.
Local 10 News cameras captured a security escort and the boarding of a VIP passenger Wednesday before the jet departed.
“There seems to be some interest in seeing how the U.S. may be able to open up some of that market and opportunity for companies,” Rosen said.
Rosen added that the visit could be the first of several exchanges between the two countries. The reason for the aircraft’s dayslong stay at the airport has not been disclosed.
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