Ashgabat, September 22, 2020 – On Tuesday, September 22, the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan presented a gift of circus equipment to the State Circus of Turkmenistan in honor of Turkmenistan’s upcoming Independence Day. This gift continues the United States’ support of the circus arts in Turkmenistan through long term collaboration with the State Circus and the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan. During a virtual ceremony hosted by the U.S. Embassy, the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Valerie Chittenden, presented the equipment to the Head of the International Department of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, Ms. Bilbil Babayeva, to the Director of the State Circus of Turkmenistan, Mr. Annamuhammet Ilamanov, and to State Circus’ Artistic Director, Mr. Pygy Bayramdurdyev.
The United States is proud to partner with the Ministry of Culture to support professional development in the circus arts. The circus has a rich history in Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage. In addition to the gift of supplies presented today, the U.S. Embassy’s Circus Arts cultural exchange has included two successful visits to Turkmenistan by U.S. circus artists, and resulted in a productive professional exchange and long-standing friendships.
During today’s ceremony, Chargé d’Affaires Chittenden noted, “this continuing exchange between U.S. and Turkmen circus arts experts is a sign of our respect and admiration for Turkmen culture and of our commitment to deepen our bilateral relationship in other areas.” She added that the United States “looks forward to deepening economic and educational ties, just as this exchange has deepened cultural connections between the people of the United States and the people of Turkmenistan.”
In the spring and fall of 2017, U.S. circus artists visited Turkmenistan to exchange their professional knowledge and skills. During those two visits, the performers participated in workshops and presentations in the regions of Mary, Dashoguz, Lebap, and in the capital, Ashgabat. The equipment presented today continues the United States’ goal of exchanging professional skills with counterparts in Turkmenistan.
Today’s gift included equipment for acrobatic performances, including a lyra, trapeze, climbing rope, and aerial fabric, among other items. While presenting the materials, Chargé d’Affaires Chittenden noted her hope that each time the items are used, “they will be a reminder of the strong bonds that connect the people of our countries.”
Chargé d’Affaires Chittenden presented today’s gift on behalf of the government of the United States and the American people in honor of the upcoming celebration of Turkmenistan’s Independence Day. Turkmenistan will celebrate 29 years of independence on September 27th, 2020.
For all media inquiries, please contact the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan at USEmbassy-Ashgabat-PAS@state.gov.
