-LETTERHEAD-
Transmeridian Exploration, Inc.
397 N. Sam Houston Pkwy., E, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77060



January 23, 2003

Mr. H Roger Schwall
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20549

         Re:      Transmeridian Exploration, Inc.'s Withdrawal of Registration
                  Statement on Form SB-2 filed on September 26, 2002, as amended
                  November 18, 2002
                  File No. 333-100120

Mr. Schwall:

Pursuant to Rule 477 under the Securities Act of 1933, Transmeridian
Exploration, Inc. (the "Company") hereby respectfully requests the withdrawal of
its above-referenced Registration Statement on Form SB-2, together with all
exhibits thereto, filed with the SEC on September 26, 2002 and amended on
November 18, 2002.

No sales of securities were made in connection with this Registration Statement.



Very truly yours,


Jeff S. Tucker
Assistant Secretary