In the first half of July, the "Ýyldyz" hotel complex in the capital became the venue for a major diplomatic event. The occasion, dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the sovereignty of the United States of America, took place on July 2, with the participation of members of the Turkmen government, heads of foreign diplomatic missions, representatives of international organizations, mass media, and business circles.

Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country, attended as the official representative and guest of honor on behalf of the leadership of Turkmenistan.

The official part of the event opened with the ceremonial presentation of national symbols—the flags of the two countries, carried out by the U.S. Embassy Marines. Following the performance of the national anthems, the head of the American diplomatic mission, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Elizabeth Rood, addressed the audience with a welcoming speech.

In her remarks, she expressed gratitude to Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for their support and personal role in strengthening inter-state ties. Rood emphasized that she is proud of her mission in Turkmenistan and the opportunity to work with its people and authorities for the sake of shared prosperity and values.

The Ambassador drew attention to the intensive growth of bilateral relations over the past year. Among the key events, she highlighted the official trip of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Washington to meet with President Donald Trump, the visit of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Florida, as well as visits to Turkmenistan by several high-ranking officials from the Trump administration. These high-level contacts and exchange programs confirm that the partnership has entered a new qualitative stage. Today, the states are jointly developing trade, humanitarian, and cultural projects, as well as working on issues of global and regional security.

Rashid Meredov delivered a reply speech. The Minister of Foreign Affairs assured that Turkmenistan values these relations and aims to further expand cooperation on key issues of the regional, global, and bilateral agenda.

The Minister noted the multi-faceted nature of the dialogue, which covers economics, politics, and the humanitarian sphere. Special emphasis was placed on the partnership within the UN framework: Meredov thanked the U.S. for supporting Turkmenistan's resolutions and initiatives at the General Assembly. The multilateral "Central Asia – USA" (C5+1) format, which has been helping to develop the economy and maintain security in the region since November 2015, was also named an important element.

The Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled that this year marked the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. The effectiveness of this path is confirmed by the annual political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the U.S. Department of State.

In the economic sector, the Minister mentioned the successful, long-standing cooperation with major U.S. corporations, including John Deere, Case, Caterpillar, General Electric, Boeing, Visa, Sikorsky, and others, pointing out the vast potential for reaching new heights.

Speaking about the humanitarian sector, Meredov mentioned projects implemented thanks to the American "Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation" (AFCP) program and added that Turkmenistan is currently involved in 16 educational programs organized by the U.S. diplomatic mission. In conclusion, the Minister thanked Elizabeth Rood for her personal efforts, which led to a positive dynamic in relations.

As a sign of the strength of ties, the American side presented their Turkmen partners with a symbolic gift—a detailed model of the three-masted wooden frigate of the U.S. Navy, famously known as "Old Ironsides." This vessel received its nickname in 1812 when enemy cannonballs bounced off its durable three-layered wooden hull. For more than two centuries, the ship, which never knew defeat, has symbolized resilience and freedom. The gift is intended to demonstrate that the partnership between the U.S. and Turkmenistan can withstand any historical storms.

Following the official part, a festive program awaited the guests, featuring themed photo zones, traditional American cuisine, and live music performed by the Ashga-Brass group.