Ambassador Archives - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye https://tr.usembassy.gov/category/ambassador/ Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:59:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Ambassador Thomas J. Barrack’s Statement on Independence Day https://tr.usembassy.gov/ambassador-thomas-j-barracks-statement-on-independence-day/ Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:25:41 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=25771

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Ambassador Thomas J. Barrack's Statement on Independence Day

As we mark the 249th birthday of the United States of America, it is a moment to reflect on the values that define our nation and the message we share with the world. Freedom is never free, and the journey to preserve and promote it requires constant vigilance, patience, and cooperation. 

President Trump has emphasized a vision for America that transcends conflict, stating his legacy will not be about winning wars but about stopping them—and, even more importantly, ensuring that wars do not happen. His goal is to leave behind a legacy of peace and unity, a vision that has not been seen in centuries. This aspiration serves as a reminder of the importance of tolerance, diverse perspectives, and the daily fight to uphold the freedoms we cherish. 

Independence Day is a celebration of America’s journey from its beginnings to its present. It is a reminder of the challenges faced and overcome, from the Revolutionary War to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the 12 years of struggle before the establishment of a constitution and the election of the first president, General George Washington. These milestones highlight the patience and perseverance required to build a nation. 

This historical perspective offers valuable lessons for the world today. For example, Syria, with its new government, is navigating the complexities of establishing a constitution and defining its governance. Similarly, Türkiye, celebrating the 102nd anniversary of its Republic, is reflecting on its own journey of growth. These examples underscore the importance of patience and cooperation in building lasting institutions and fostering unity. 

As we celebrate America’s birthday, we are reminded of the hope and aspirations that unite us, not only as Americans but as members of a global community. In the Middle East and Near East, and across the world, the principles of patience, tolerance, and cooperation remain vital. The hope and aspirations of everybody around us, including in this very complicated, amazingly rich civilization that we live in in the Middle East and the Near East. Freedom is never free, and it is earned every day, one soul at a time. 

On this special day, let us honor the legacy of peace and unity, and reaffirm our commitment to these values. As President Trump said, the greatest legacy is not about winning wars but about avoiding them. God bless America, and God bless the world.

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U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Syria Envoy Thomas Barrack’s Statement on Meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and FM Asaad al-Shaibani https://tr.usembassy.gov/u-s-ambassador-to-turkiye-and-syria-envoy-thomas-barracks-statement-on-meeting-with-syrian-president-ahmed-al-sharaa-and-fm-asaad-al-shaibani/ Sat, 24 May 2025 17:02:22 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=25346

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U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Syria Envoy Thomas Barrack's Statement on Meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and FM Asaad al-Shaibani

Statement by U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack

May 24, 2025

Today, I met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani in Istanbul to implement President Trump’s bold decision to provide a path for peace and prosperity in Syria. President al-Sharaa praised America’s fast action on lifting sanctions, welcoming Secretary Rubio’s landmark announcement yesterday waiving Caesar Act sanctions for 180 days and the U.S. Treasury Department’s announcement of General License 25 and other sanctions relief measures. I reiterated the United States’ support for the Syrian people after so many years of conflict and violence and reiterated Secretary Rubio’s position that if we had not acted so promptly and deliberately to remove sanctions our partners in the region would not be able to provide donor dollars, supplies, and energy to relieve the plight and trauma of the traumatized Syrian population. President Trump’s goal is to enable the new government to create the conditions for the Syrian people to not only survive but thrive.

I stressed the cessation of sanctions against Syria will preserve the integrity of our primary objective – the enduring defeat of ISIS – and will give the people of Syria a chance for a better future. I also commended President al-Sharaa on taking meaningful steps towards enacting President Trump’s points on foreign terrorist fighters, counter-ISIS measures, relations with Israel, and camps and detention centers in NE Syria. The Syrian side and I affirmed our commitment to continuing these important conversations and to working together to develop private sector investment in Syria to rebuild the economy, including through investment by regional and global partners such as Türkiye, the Gulf, Europe, and the United States.

This meeting was historic, putting the issue of sanctions – as President Trump has indicated – far behind us, and resulting in joint commitment of both our countries to drive forward, quickly, with investment, development, and worldwide branding of a new, welcoming Syria without sanctions.

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U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack: Implementing President Trump’s Vision for a Prosperous, Stable Syria  https://tr.usembassy.gov/u-s-ambassador-to-turkiye-and-special-envoy-for-syria-thomas-barrack/ Fri, 23 May 2025 14:53:11 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=25311

President Trump has outlined his clear vision of a prosperous Middle East and a stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors.

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U.S. Ambassador to Türkİye and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack

Implementing President Trump’s Vision for a Prosperous, Stable Syria

President Trump has outlined his clear vision of a prosperous Middle East and a stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors.  On May 13, the President committed to lifting the United States’ crippling sanctions against Syria to enable the new government to stabilize the country.  Secretary Rubio now has the responsibility of executing the President’s vision and has said “the lifting of the sanctions opens up incredible opportunities around the region for all kinds of peace and security and the end of conflicts and wars.” As President Trump’s representative in Türkiye, I am proud to assume the role of the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and support Secretary Rubio in the realization of the President’s vision.

The cessation of sanctions against Syria will preserve the integrity of our primary objective — the enduring defeat of ISIS — and will give the people of Syria a chance for a better future. In this way, we, together with regional partners including Turkiye and the Gulf, are enabling the Syrian government to restore peace, security, and the hope of prosperity. In the words of the President, we will work together, and we will succeed together.

 

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Ambassador Barrack’s Remarks Upon Arrival in Türkiye https://tr.usembassy.gov/ambassador-barracks-remarks-upon-arrival-in-turkiye/ Mon, 05 May 2025 19:35:00 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=25031

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Ambassador Barrack's Remarks Upon Arrival in Türkİye

Merhaba. Hoş bulduk. So happy to be here. First of all, I want to thank all of you for being here tonight at the end of your weekend. This is a monumental day for me, feeling the echo of this land from which my ancestors came. The taste, the sound, the vibrations, the aspirations of hope that both nations have for each other. I’m so honored to have the DNA of this great region in me, together with the liberty, peace and prosperity of America.

I come with a simple message from President Trump, which is his desire to raise the level of the alliance between Türkiye and the United States to the level that it deserves. We’ve always had a great relationship, but it should be an extraordinary relationship. The president’s goal is to elevate this relationship, through the people, and through the great leaderships of our great nations, to find an accelerated peace and prosperity that make both Türkiye and the United States greater and the world better.

So, I’m hopeful. I look forward to working with all of you. And I’m privileged and fortunate to be here in this great nation.  Thank you.

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Ambassador Flake’s Farewell Message https://tr.usembassy.gov/ambassador-flakes-farewell-message/ Sun, 01 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=23122

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Ambassador Flake's Farewell Message

Ambassador Flake bids farewell to Türkiye and looks back on the highlights of his tenure.

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Remarks by Ambassador Jeffry L. Flake for the 247th Independence Day Celebration in Istanbul https://tr.usembassy.gov/remarks-by-ambassador-jeffry-l-flake-for-the-247th-independence-day-celebration-in-istanbul/ Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:04:58 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=18076

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Remarks by Ambassador Jeffry L. Flake for the 247th Independence Day Celebration in Istanbul

Ambassador Flake

 

June 13, 2023

Ambassador Flake:

Good evening everyone, hoş geldiniz.  What an honor it is for Cheryl and me to celebrate 247 years of American Independence with you.  I would like to recognize Sayın valim, 3rd Corps Commander, district mayors, your All Holiness the Ecumencial Patriarch, business leaders, fellow diplomats, academics, members of the press, clergy, civil society, honored guests, for joining us tonight.  I am also thankful to share this occasion with some of our family visiting from the States.   

We cherish our democratic tradition in America, and so does Türkiye.  This year is a special milestone because it marks the centennial of the Turkish Republic.   

When Ataturk founded the modern republic, the world was a much different place.  In 1923, the Walt Disney Company was founded, Louis Armstrong made his first recording, and a new Ford Model T cost $725.  In 1927, America opened its first embassy in Ankara, which was a train car.  That’s a far cry from our wonderful new building.  In the century since we have accomplished much together. 

So, it’s fitting that very recently, in this centennial of the Republic, the eyes of the world were on Türkiye for a long-anticipated and hard-fought contest.  And now we know there was one clear winner: Manchester City has won the Champions League! 

100 years as a republic is a commendable achievement, and it has only been possible because of the Turkish people’s steadfast commitment to democracy.  Türkiye’s voter turnout rate of close to 90 percent sets a global standard, and, I might add, far surpasses the average turnout in U.S. elections.  I also admire the huge attendance at political rallies.  As a former politician myself, my admiration for large crowds borders on jealousy — I even brought my family here just to make the crowd look bigger.   

This is to say that all Turks should be very proud of their nation’s democratic tradition.   

Sadly, 2023 will also be remembered for the devastating February earthquakes that claimed so many innocent lives and profoundly impacted many more.  But these trying times have also brought out the best in Türkiye.  The spirit, resilience, and strength of the Turkish people have been self-evident.  These qualities resonate in America.  I am proud that just days after the earthquake, two American urban search and rescue teams were on the ground in the southeast ready to support our friends.  There was such an outpouring of support from Americans that when Secretary Blinken signed the condolence book in Washington, he had to practically wade through a sea of donations and “geçmiş olsun” wishes.   

But the United States was not alone; dozens and dozens of countries sent rescue teams, equipment, and supplies.  The international community has not forgotten Türkiye’s own assistance after natural disasters around the globe.  This was the world’s opportunity to repay Turkish generosity.   

And the American people demonstrated that in their personal outpouring of compassion.  While the U.S. government and U.S. private sector contributed hundreds of millions, across the United States, American communities came together to donate goods and funds to offer to the Turkish people.  I am so proud of my country’s response.  I am in awe of how Americans, from coast to coast, stepped forward to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Turkish people.   

This is the American spirit that we honor today, in celebration of our Independence Day.   

The international outpouring of goodwill for Türkiye has also led to progress in some of its more complicated relationships.  The image of Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias embracing Foreign Minister Cavusoglu shortly after the earthquakes foreshadowed the current period of much improved relations between these two critical NATO allies.   

As Türkiye celebrates its centennial, it remains a critical partner of the United States and a powerful force on the world stage.  Türkiye’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty is another example of its global role.  No other country could have contained the conflict by invoking the Montreux Convention, nor could any other country have successfully facilitated the Black Sea Grain Initiative to deliver much-needed food to global markets.   

Of course, Turkish-American cooperation goes far beyond security issues.  Total trade between our two countries now exceeds $33 billion a year.  People to people contact is increasing in a big way.   

Last year, one million Americans visited Türkiye, including one intrepid tourist pretending to be James Bond on top of the Grand Bazaar.  I’m told that authorities are close to identifying the suspect.   

More than 1.8 million Americans are expected to visit Türkiye this year.  I can tell you that my family and I have been doing our best to support the Turkish tourism industry, one Flake at a time!   

I’m excited for the next century of partnership between our two nations.  Türkiye is confidently striding into the future with its first domestically produced electric car.  In April, Türkiye’s first domestically produced observation satellite was launched by SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.   

Later this year, in partnership with the United States’ Axiom Space, the first Turkish astronaut is expected to travel to the International Space Station.  So it is not true anymore to say “the sky is the limit.”  Our cooperation and partnership has quite literally taken us beyond the sky – into space. 

America has been blessed to have Türkiye as a partner for the last 100 years, and we are looking forward to many more.  Happy centennial, Türkiye.  And Happy Independence Day, America.   

Kutlu Olsun!

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U.S. Independence Day Celebrations in İzmir https://tr.usembassy.gov/u-s-independence-day-celebrations-in-izmir/ Mon, 10 Jun 2024 17:43:10 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=18186 The post U.S. Independence Day Celebrations in İzmir appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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U.S. Independence Day Celebrations in İzmir

June 12, 2024

İzmir

Remarks by Ambassador Flake and Mrs. Flake

 

Ambassador Flake: Good evening everyone, hoş geldiniz!

It is my great honor to host you all on behalf of the United States as we celebrate 248 years of independence. This is also the 19th year that the management of ESBAŞ has hosted the event, and we are deeply grateful for their support. I am especially grateful to all the hardworking staff from ESBAŞ and from the U.S. Mission team – both those based in İzmir and those joining us from Ankara.

I applaud the enduring role of İzmir and the Aegean region in maintaining the mutually beneficial partnership between our countries. There is no better example of that role than the facility where we are gathered this evening, the Aegean Free Zone. This is the centerpiece of the Aegean region’s economic relationship with the United States. It has created $98 billion in trade since its founding in 1990. It employs nearly 26,000 Turks and creates 22% of İzmir’s provincial economic output.

The overall picture of trade and investment between the U.S. and Türkiye is robust, with many examples of leading U.S. companies contributing to economic growth and development in Türkiye – companies like Borgwarner, Pratt & Whitney, Johnson Controls, and Gates. I’m very thrilled to see so many of you, representing so many aspects of the rich U.S.- Türkiye relationship — from the business community and government, to arts and the media. Thank you, all of you, for being here tonight. You contribute to the strong and growing ties between our countries.

If you follow the Embassy on Instagram, you know that long before I even thought about coming to this country as an Ambassador, Cheryl was here as a college student.

Mrs. Cheryl Flake: Yes, when Jeff and I were students at Brigham Young University, I was part of a singing and dancing performing group, ironically called the “Young Ambassadors.” We toured through Egypt, Jordan, Greece and spent two and a half weeks right here in beautiful Türkiye! Part of our time was spent right around here. We participated in an international dance festival in Bergama, and even performed in the amphitheater at Ephesus. In my photo album when I returned home, I wrote “Turkey, my favorite place.”

I loved the beauty of İstanbul and the Bosphorus because it reminded me of San Francisco. I loved seeing the ancient ruins. In fact, I’ve always thought, why go to Greece and Italy to see Greek and Roman ruins, when you’ve got them all right here! The turquoise coast is unparalleled anywhere in the world.

But what I remember most about that college trip, was the kindness and generosity of the people of Türkiye. And guess what? No matter how much has changed in Türkiye since the 1980s, the kindness and generosity I remembered still remains. We have felt it ever since we got here nearly three years ago.
For us, this has been far more than just an assignment — it’s been our home; a home that will be difficult to leave when our tour is over.

Ambassador Flake: In closing, I thought I would read a poem we wrote that expresses our feelings about this wonderful country.

Our Beloved Türkiye

There are places we’ve been in this wide open world
Where putting down roots was a chore
The trails we traveled in distant climes
Steered us back to our own front door

But this ancient land, where east meets west
Where sand greets a turquoise sea
Has become a place we can’t bear to leave
We’re as home as we ever will be

Still, we hear faint voices louder each day
Promptings we can’t ignore
From loved ones behind we cannot forget 
Who wait on a faraway shore

So when we return to the life we once had
We’ll sorrow that we couldn’t stay
Here in the land that captured our hearts
Our beloved Türkiye

So thank you, again, for being here to celebrate 248 years of independence for the United States of America. Please enjoy the evening!

 

Remarks by ESBAŞ CEO Faruk Güler

 

Faruk Güler: Ambassador to the United States of America, H.E. Jeffry Flake and his esteemed wife, H.E. Cheryl Flake, dear guests, I would like to greet you all with respect and love on behalf of ESBAŞ. I’m very happy to welcome you all to this special day celebrating the 248th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. It’s an honor for me to share this special day together on this meaningful occasion.

At ESBAŞ, we strongly believe in the importance of international cooperation and cultural interactions. The strong ties and cooperation between the US and Türkiye continue to provide mutual benefits in economic, cultural and social areas. Our gathering here today is a reflection of these strong ties and shared values.
The investments of American companies in Türkiye and the activities of Turkish companies in the United States enhance the economic, political and cultural relations between our countries. ESBAŞ provides an important platform for the development and strengthening of these collaborations. We are proud to host many American companies operating in Türkiye and to contribute to these collaborations.

At ESBAŞ, we will continue to work together for a better future, support the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, and reinforce international friendships. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the founders of the United States of America and all those who contributed to this struggle for independence, and emphasize once again the importance of passing on their legacy to future generations. I also wish all American citizens here a happy Independence Day. Today, we not only look back on the past, but also rekindle our hopes and common goals for the future.

I would like to thank you all for joining us in this joyous celebration and wish you a pleasant evening.

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Remarks by Ambassador Jeffry L. Flake for the 248th Independence Day Celebration in Istanbul https://tr.usembassy.gov/u-s-consulate-general-in-istanbul-celebrates-248-years-of-u-s-independence/ Wed, 05 Jun 2024 17:24:18 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=18175

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Remarks by Ambassador Jeffry L. Flake for the 248th Independence Day Celebration in Istanbul

June 5, 2024

U.S. Consulate General, Istanbul

Ambassador Flake:  What a great honor it is to host all of you on behalf of the United States of America as we celebrate 248 years of independence. We’re thrilled to have so many people here who contribute to the rich relationship that our two countries have. We have people here from the business community, government, arts and entertainment and the media. Thank you all for being with us this evening. 

Cheryl and I can’t believe that this is our third and final Independence Day celebration here in Ankara. So we thought we would do something different this year. 

Cheryl Flake:  When we talk to friends back home, they often ask what we do when we’re not in routine meetings or official events. Do we get around the country? Do we ever act like tourists? The answer, of course, is yes, and yes! 

So we thought we’d show you what we’ve experienced around this beautiful country. Of course, we can’t narrow it down to just one or two highlights – so we thought we’d show a few pictures and talk about our top ten highlights  – in no particular order.

  • Swimming from Asia to Europe
  • Boating on the Bosphorus
  • Touring the sites in Istanbul, like Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahçe Palace, & the Grand Bazaar
  • Hanging out here in Ankara with our Embassy family
  • Floating over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon at sunrise
  • Watching the world come together to help earthquake victims
  • Sailing along the Turquoise Coast
  • Touring ancient ruins, like Ephesus, Side & Göbeklitepe
  • Touring monasteries in the southeast
  • Watching sports, like football, volleyball & basketball
  • Getting to know the wonderful people in this incredible country

Ambassador Flake: As you can see, for us this has been far more than just an assignment – it’s been our home; a home that will be difficult to leave when our tour is over. In closing, we thought we would express our feelings in poetry. We’re not exactly poets, but we thought we’d give it our best.

Our Beloved Türkiye 
There are places we’ve been in this wide open world 
Where putting down roots was a chore 
The trails we traveled in distant climes 
Steered us back to our own front door 

But this ancient land, where east meets west 
Where sand greets a turquoise sea 
Has become a place we can’t bear to leave 
We’re as home as we ever will be 

Still, we hear faint voices louder each day 
Promptings we can’t ignore 
From loved ones behind we cannot forget  
Who wait on a distant shore 

So, when we return to the life we once had 
We’ll sorrow that we couldn’t stay 
Here in this land that captured our hearts 
Our beloved Türkiye

Ambassador Flake: Thank you for being with us tonight to celebrate 248 years of the United States of America. Please enjoy the evening!

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Remarks by Ambassador Jeffry L. Flake https://tr.usembassy.gov/remarks-by-ambassador-jeffry-l-flake-fulbright-conference-2023/ Wed, 08 Nov 2023 21:46:00 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=18490

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Remarks by Ambassador Jeffry L. Flake

Ambassador Flake: This year’s Fulbright Conference, “Continuities and Changes in Türkiye – U.S. Relations” is an opportunity to reflect upon, and appreciate, all our two countries have done together.  In 1927, the United States opened its first Embassy in Ankara.  In the near-century that has passed, the United States and Türkiye have accomplished much together, including forging ever-closer economic ties, strengthening our partnership for mutual security, and expanding the people-to-people connections that bind us together.

As Türkiye celebrates its centennial, it remains a crucial partner of the United States and an important global actor.   Whether it’s contributing to critical NATO missions or burning the midnight diplomatic oil to ensure global food security, Türkiye matters. In the region, and globally.

Türkiye’s support for Ukrainian sovereignty is a clear example of its global role.  No other country could have contained the conflict by invoking the Montreux Convention, nor could any other country have successfully facilitated the Black Sea Grain Initiative to deliver much needed food to global markets.

The story of the United States – Türkiye relationship is indeed one of continuity and change.  The United States and Türkiye have been NATO allies for over 70 years.  Türkiye is a pillar of the NATO Alliance’s military capabilities.

When Russia invaded Ukraine, the United States moved swiftly, decisively, and in unison with allies and partners to do exactly what we said we’d do: support Ukraine, impose costs on Russia, strengthen NATO – all of this with our allies and partners.  We appreciate Türkiye’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and expect to continue working together on these shared goals.

Our trade and commercial relations are critical to the growth of both our countries.  U.S.-Türkiye trade grew from 28 billion dollars in 2021 to 34 billion dollars in 2022, an increase of 22 percent, representing an all-time high.  We’ve seen a rapid increase in Turkish investment into the United States, with the largest Turkish delegation ever, over 33 companies, to our flagship SelectUSA investment conference in Washington, D.C.  And U.S. firms have invested over $50 billion in Türkiye, creating over 100,000 jobs.

Consider our people-to-people ties: More than one million Americans visited Türkiye in 2022, and over 700,000 have already this year, this represents the depth of American appreciation for Turkish heritage and culture.  In January 2021, we signed a landmark Bilateral Cultural Property Agreement which has enhanced our cooperation on cultural heritage protection. Since then, through the combined efforts of U.S. federal and local officials and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, we’ve been able to repatriate to Türkiye two troves of cultural artifacts.

Student exchanges and cooperation between U.S. and Turkish educational institutions boost both countries – supporting not just a more educated and capable workforce, but lasting human connections and a shared vision for the future.  The number of Turkish students in the United States grew by a record 4.4% last academic year.

When the devastating earthquakes hit Türkiye in February, support flowed in from communities across America and the world, in addition to the formal efforts by the United States and other governments.  Two American search and rescue teams flew to the southeast immediately, and we are continuing to work together on other initiatives to save and rebuild lives and economies in the region.  It has been gratifying to see our communities strengthen one another in the face of incredible hardship.

And as I am sure all of you know, next year, together, we’ll celebrate another milestone anniversary: 75 years of our bilateral Fulbright program.  For nearly three quarters of a century, Fulbright Türkiye has facilitated the exchange of Turkish and American graduate students, faculty members, teachers, artists and professionals like you, enriching campuses and communities in both our countries.

While we have good reason to take pride in what our two countries have accomplished in nearly 100 years, I hope that you also use this gathering to take time to consider the potential for the bilateral relationship.  Looking ahead, there are many opportunities for deepening our friendship and relationship. Here are a few key points to consider:

The U.S. government is committed to promoting high level engagement between the U.S. and Türkiye through the Strategic Mechanism framework.  Through this framework, we will need to discuss everything – both opportunities and challenges.  Our fundamental disagreements on Syria policy are a challenge, but there are also opportunities there to find ways to address counterterrorism threats that we both care deeply about.

Looking to opportunities, we want to pursue more areas for U.S.-Türkiye cooperation in Africa.  From counterterrorism to commercial opportunities, there are areas for increased cooperation where our two countries can work together.

Even outside of the Strategic Mechanism, the United States and Türkiye continue to focus on mutual goals. As recently as this week, during Secretary Blinken’s visit to Ankara on November 6, he and the Turkish Foreign Minister were in consensus on the need to expand humanitarian assistance to people in Gaza, and the pursuit of a two-state solution for a durable, sustainable, lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.

The time has come for the United States and Türkiye to reengage in a formal trade dialogue and figure out how to remove the last few trade barriers that are negatively affecting both countries.  Both sides recognize we are overdue for a detailed bilateral discussion on trade, the last one happened in 2017.  There are several trade policies and irritants on both sides.  Addressing some of them could help us further accelerate bilateral trade.

Finalization of Sweden’s Accession to NATO remains a top priority.  During this critical time in European security with Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, NATO solidarity is critical, and we want Sweden to be part of the Alliance as soon as possible.

Finally, we are committed to doing what we can to expand and strengthen our people-to-people ties. Support for bilateral exchange initiatives such as Fulbright is fundamental to building a strong foundation for the overall bilateral relationship.

As I said, Türkiye matters to the United States.  I’m optimistic for the next century of partnership between our two nations.  Türkiye has become a global power: through trade and business; diplomatically – it has one of the broadest diplomatic presences around the world; defense capabilities; humanitarian and development aid; and soft power.

We must work together to address the challenges of our current moment and be ready to stand together as Allies against future challenges in the region and globally.

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U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye
Ambassador Flake’s message on the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye https://tr.usembassy.gov/ambassador-flakes-message-on-the-100th-anniversary-of-the-republic-of-turkiye/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 19:52:00 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=18391

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Ambassador Flake’s message on the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye

Büyükelçi Jeffry L. Flake: Tebrikler Türkiye, yüzüncü yıl kutlu olsun!

As we commemorate 100 years since the founding of the Turkish Republic, we pause to reflect on and appreciate the rich history of partnership between our two nations. In the past century, the United States and Türkiye have accomplished much together, strengthening the ties and cooperation that link our two countries. More than one-million Americans visited Türkiye in 2022, and over 700,000 have already come this year, showing the depth of American appreciation for Turkish heritage and culture. Trade between our countries grew to 34 billion dollars in 2022, and the number of Turkish students in the United States increased at a record rate last year. Türkiye’s contribution to NATO missions and its tireless work to ensure global food security in the wake of Russia’s war are clear examples of its global significance.

As we look forward to the next hundred years of partnership between the United States and Türkiye, I offer my congratulations to the Turkish nation and my deep respect for its founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

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U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye