Speeches

Remarks by DCM Jennifer Brush at the Opening of the September 11th Memorial Art Exhibit

Sept. 9, 2005

Hanymlar we jenaplar. Hormatly diplomatlar, myhmanlar. Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished diplomats and guests.

Thank you for joining us to commemorate the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001 in the United States of America. I am pleased to be opening the second annual art exhibition in memory of these events. The events of September 11 changed not only the United States, but the world. We must continue to work together to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again, anywhere in the world.

Art is a means of bringing about mutual understanding. The works you will see here seek to express common features of the peoples of the United States and of Turkmenistan. This exhibit is the fruit of cooperation between the United States and Turkmen artists, local museums, and the Turkmenistan Ministry of Culture and TV and Radio Broadcasting, and we are grateful for their generosity and help in this project.

We appreciate the continued cooperation between the United States and Turkmenistan, as one of the main priorities of my government is to develop close ties between our two countries. I strongly believe that the support of cultural programs such as this is one of the best ways to promote mutual understanding and peace throughout the world. They help build trust among peoples, and lay the foundation for good relationships between and among governments. Such exchanges truly work best when they include all segments of those societies, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or religion. We all benefit from the joint work between Turkmen and American people. Events like that of September 11 bring us together and demonstrate that the differences between us pale.

As you walk through the gallery, I encourage you to talk with the artists who created the artworks to understand them. All of these works meant to help spur a conversation despite the cultural and linguistic differences between us.

I and the other members of our Embassy team look forward to working with you and supporting your efforts to promote cultural programs in both Turkmenistan and the United States. I would like to thank you one more time for participating in this ceremony and wish you health and happiness.