Statement by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Turkmenistan’s Independence Day

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Turkmenistan on the 24th anniversary of your nation’s independence.

Since that proud day of independence, the United States has been pleased to work closely with Turkmenistan on a wide range of issues including regional stability, energy security, education, and economic development in all its dimensions.

Our commitment to our future relationship is symbolized by the breaking of ground this month for construction of a new embassy compound, including an American school. We also welcome the opening of the first English language university in the country, to which we provided a U.S. faculty member.

Over the coming year, we hope to form new connections, exchange ideas, and find fresh solutions to our shared challenges. We also reaffirm our commitment to Turkmenistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and we look forward to working together to advance universal human rights, good governance, and civil society in Turkmenistan.

I wish all the people of Turkmenistan a peaceful and prosperous year ahead. Garaşsyzlyk günüňiz gutly bolsun!