2002 Press Releases

Ambassador's TV Address on the Occasion of the 11th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Independence

Oct. 25, 2002

On October 24, 2002, Ambassador Laura E. Kennedy made a televised address to the people of Turkmenistan on the eleventh anniversary of Turkmenistan's Independence. Addressing in the Turkmen language, Ambassador Kennedy said the following:

On behalf of President Bush and the American people, I am delighted to convey our congratulations to President Niyazov and the people of Turkmenistan on the anniversary of your independence. For the past eleven years, America has been a stalwart supporter of Turkmenistan's independence and an eager friend to its citizens.

We have followed with great interest your efforts to transform your government, society and economy. Celebrating the best of Turkmenistan's rich history while creating a free and just future in which all citizens can equally share is a crucial task. We have sought to assist efforts to create democratic and free market institutions and to integrate Turkmenistan into the key international and regional organizations that underpin today's global community.

Turkmenistan has shown itself to be a good neighbor to Afghanistan. President Bush has written several times to celebrate our cooperation with Turkmenistan in this area. Like my country, Turkmenistan is seeking to broaden humanitarian aid efforts in Afghanistan to long-term development projects that can also benefit the wider region.

We want to enhance ties between our peoples. The Peace Corps and educational and cultural exchanges are some excellent means to do so. We seek to work with your government, your students and teachers, business men and women, social organizations and others to offer our assistance in developing human rights, democratic and free market institutions, essential for the stability and prosperity of any nation.

Turkmenistan is a country with great potential, blessed with rich natural resources, and, most importantly, with rich human resources. The development of human potential is a top priority for any country. An American president, John F. Kennedy, said: "Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education." Although President Kennedy was speaking about the United States, I believe that his words hold true for Turkmenistan.

I hope that the people of Turkmenistan and of the United States will continue to work together and learn from each another. We wish all the citizens of Turkmenistan success in their efforts to create the better world we all want for our children.

Thank you.