The Northwest Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce (NOWTA) hosted the second annual luncheon reception for Washington State Senate and House of Representatives in Olympia on March 8, 2012. Around 150 guests, including Washington state senators and representatives, Los Angeles Consul General of Turkey Hon. Aydin Topcu and a delegation of Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey (TUSKON) along with their chief executives attended the event.
The event started with Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire’s proclamation. West America Turkic Council (WATC) President Ozgur Yildiz was the master of ceremonies.
NOWTA’s President Baris Taze welcomed the guests and extended his warm wishes on International Women’s Day. Taze voiced NOWTA’s efforts to increase the trade volume between Turkey and Washington state as well as to enhance the bilateral relations between the U.S. and Turkey. He highlighted the fact that within the last 6 months, two Turkish ministers have visited Washington state. Moreover, a Turkish commercial attaché has been appointed to Seattle.
In his speech, Hon. Topcu pointed out that Turkey and the U.S. have been supporting each other and transcending their differences. However, the economic relations between the two countries have not reached their potential. Hon. Topcu stressed the importance of NOWTA’s efforts in the Northwest.
Executive Director of Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey (TUSKON) Hakan Tasci expressed his desire to diversify the relationship between the U.S. and Turkey beyond their NATO alliance. WA state Senator Paull Shin, who cancelled a planned trip to attend the event, announced Turkey as the peacemaker and the bridge between East and West.
Guests enjoyed a generous menu of selected delicacies from the Turkish cuisine as well as a display of traditional Turkish rugs and paintings made using the Turkish art of marbling, Ebru. Guests left the event with their names handwritten by renowned Turkish calligrapher Aydin Cayir. For more info visit NOWTA’s Website
