TAA and TUSKON jointly organized Turkic American Convention. The opening session of the convention over breakfast at the JW Marriott, hosted by Fox News Correspondent Jehmu Greene. The highlights:
Dr. Taban talked about their work throughout the U.S.
Arkansas Senator Mark Pryor started by remembering his Turkish friend in high school, the main reason of his interest of Turkey. He also mentioned that close relations between the US and Turkey is improving not only in a political level but also economic one. “It was very important for me to be here today. I am thankful to the TAA for their impressive event.”
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, in her speech at TAA expressed her gratitude for all the remarkable and important events that TAA organized. Gillibrand also expressed satisfaction with the leadership and co-operation that TAA and it’s sub-organizations show. Senator Gillibrand pointed out the fact that New York in particular is home to a large Turkish community. “Turks are a huge contribution to the American economy and culture. Turkish-Americans play an important role in the development of commercial and political relations between the two countries,” the Senator said.
In early 2009 during her visit to Istanbul, former Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton, whose senatorial seat is now occupied by Ms. Gillibrand, stated that her faith increased by the increasing cooperation between the United States and Turkey. In her visit to Turkey next month, Senator Gillibrand expressed her hope to facilitate the cooperation and dialogue with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other officials there.
The Senator talked about Turkey’s rising profile in the Middle East and the partnership between Turkey and the United States in promoting national security. According to Gillibrand, “the development in human rights and democracy in the region will be possible only with strong efforts between the United States and Turkey. The leaders of both countries, although through different approaches, work together to purify Iran’s nuclear weapons.’’
Senator Gillibrand also commented on Turkey’s foreign policy toward Syria saying: ” Turkey lends a great service to humanity by extending a helping hand to Syrian refugees. Supporting opposition groups and defending human rights in Syria is of great importance. ”
Emphasizing the fact that Turkey is a shining example of democracy in the region, Senator Gillibrand pointed out that President Barak Obama’s visit to Turkey is an indicator of its regional importance. Gillibrand noted that there are remarkable economic ties between Turkey and the United States. While the world economy is going through a tough period of economic instability, Turkey, being one of the world’s top 25 economies managed to triple its economy and continues to grow. It has achieved this tremendous success by making right decisions on the domestic level and participating on the international arena along other G20 countries. Turkey is now an imporant and strong ally of Europe and the United States. ”
Senator Gillibrand, as one of the most powerful political figures in the country concluded her address by saying “Turkey and the United States share an important connection which I support with all my heart. I would like to thank you for the service in strengthening this bond.”
Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas believes the 2013 TAA Convention will have a great effect on international relations.
“Today the world is witnessing a major change in the fate of all human beings. This change affects everyone in our globalized world that came to be known a ‘global village’,” said Kadir Topbas, the Mayor of Turkey’s leading city and the 17th largest city in the world. The task of creating a just world is in the hands of local authorities. Aware of this huge responsibility in the city of Istanbul, Mr. Topbas stressed the need to”re-shape the global and regional balance of power. Non-governmental organizations and universities need to work in harmony with the management of Istanbul in order to educate supporters and future leaders. It should not be overlooked that the fate of all people is interconnected to in this ‘small villiage,’ and we are proud of TAA for bringing together world leaders and orginizing this event.”
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen touched on Turkey’s economy and the Middle East policy
Florida Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen stated that as a growing economy, Turkey plays an active role in counter-terrorism. Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen expressed her appreciation in Turkey’s stance against the Syrian regime and its effort against terrorism. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen commanded Turkey’s help to Syrian refugees and many other significant contributions to humanity. Referring to the recent debate about Israel, the Florida Representative Ros-Lehtinen said “appointing ambassador to a country that does not exist, and basing policy on Zionism does more harm to a relationship than good. The Democratic state of Israel is a modern ally of Ataturk’s Turkey. An ally will not take steps that will cause irreparable damages to Turkey-Israel relations. The two countries can re-establish and develop their relationship. And the United States will provide its full support in this effort. ” Representative Lehtinen concluded her speech by thanking TAA for its contributions to strengthening the relationship between Turkey and the United States and expressing her belief in future cooperation between the two nations.
Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly praised the activities of the Turkish state. “Should know that the Turks have friends in the USA.”
North Carolina Deputy Mark Meadows shared how the deep-rooted historical and cultural heritage of the Turkish-American community. Kindly acknowledged the great cultural contribution to the heritage of America.
Mayor Dr. Mustafa Akaydın of Antalya shared the beauty and importance of such a program. “50 percent of the city of Antalya come from all over the world. We look forward to seeing the beautiful growth of Antalya.”
