The United States Embassy in Slovakia hosted a celebration for the 248th anniversary of American independence, where Ambassador Rana addressed attendees including Slovak Deputy Prime Ministers Kalinak and Kmec, Deputy Speaker Simecka, ministers, parliamentarians, and other distinguished guests. The ambassador expressed gratitude to sponsors who made the event possible.
Ambassador Rana encouraged looking forward and strengthening ties between nations. "Now is the time to recommit to and reinvest in each other – and to the principles of free, democratic societies," he stated. He highlighted the upcoming NATO Washington Summit celebrating NATO's 75th anniversary as an opportunity for reaffirming commitments.
The ambassador praised Slovakia's decision to join NATO and the EU two decades ago as pivotal for its prosperity and security. He acknowledged Ukraine's ongoing struggles against Russia's aggression, expressing support with a pledge of $61 billion from the United States. "Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s unprovoked and brutal war is what stands between Putin’s bloodlust and relentless pillage spreading further into Europe," he remarked.
Marking the 30th anniversary of the State Partnership Program between Slovakia and Indiana, Ambassador Rana emphasized military cooperation through joint exercises, arms donations to Ukraine, and upcoming F-16s for Slovakia's Air Force.
He also underscored democracy's reliance on independent media and civil society. "Your commitment to truth telling keeps me and every government official accountable," he told journalists present at the event. Reaffirming America's dedication to press freedom, he honored Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova who were killed six years ago while pursuing truth.
Civil society was praised for fostering transparency and social cohesion. Ambassador Rana commended leaders advocating for marginalized communities like LGBTQI+, Roma, Muslim, and Jewish groups as "heroes of democracy."
Economic ties were noted as crucial for mutual prosperity with American investments creating over 50,000 jobs in Slovakia. Scientific collaboration was celebrated under NASA's theme reflecting shared goals beyond divisions; recently solidified by Slovakia signing Artemis Accords governing space exploration cooperation.
Referencing astronaut Eugene Cernan’s Slovak heritage resonated with themes of inspiration from space exploration: "In a world that is complicated...looking up has broadened our imagination." Ambassador Rana concluded by inviting guests to dream together towards achieving shared democratic ideals—"the sky’s the limit."
Guests were invited to raise their glasses in a toast: "To our brighter future as friends...there is nothing we cannot achieve."