The Presidency's Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun said "We strongly believe that the relationship between Türkiye and the US holds potential to develop peace, security, and prosperity-based approaches to regional and global concerns while adhering to the tenets of alliance and strategic partnerships."
As part of the Turkish Day Parade in New York, the Directorate of Communications hosted a panel on Türkiye-US Relations in the Century of Türkiye at the Turkevi.
Head of Communications Altun addressed the panel participants via video message, stating that they see the panel as an opportunity to delve into the history, present state, and future of Türkiye-US relations, and this panel is being hosted as part of the 41st Turkish Day Parade.
Recalling that the Turkish Day Parade was first held in 1981 in response to the assassination of Turkish diplomats by the terrorist organisation ASALA, Head of Communications Altun said that this event has evolved over the years into a highly significant gathering for the Turkish-American community in the US.
Head of Communications Altun went on to say, "The Turkish Day Parade is an event that contributes significantly to the socio-cultural and economic fabric of the United States and serves to strengthen the unity and solidarity of the Turkish-American community. We are hosting a panel as part of this parade, taking into account its great importance in Türkiye-US relations. The purpose of the panel is to explore the bilateral relations between the two countries from different angles."
Pointing out that Türkiye and the United States have a long-standing relationship, Head of Communications Altun stated that, given the current regional and global challenges, it is becoming increasingly clear that cooperation and dialogue between both countries are of extreme importance.
The Head of Communications noted that Türkiye's constructive role has successfully helped to prevent major and extended crises, such as the pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine War, and supply chain interruptions. Additionally, Türkiye's contributions have played a crucial role in resolving the food crisis, and added,
"Seven months of continuous Israeli aggression represent the most recent development that has significant ramifications for our region and all international actors. With that being said, the ongoing attacks by Israel against the Palestinians for over seven months are made up of severe human rights violations. These attacks have also exacerbated global challenges, undermined confidence in peace, and eroded trust in international values. Türkiye immediately took action to halt these massacres, utilising both humanitarian and diplomatic resources. Türkiye remains committed to its diplomatic efforts in order to find a resolution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by the actions of Israel.
There are other areas where Türkiye wishes to collaborate with the US. We strongly believe that the relationship between Türkiye and the US holds potential to develop peace, security, and prosperity-based approaches to regional and global concerns while adhering to the tenets of alliance and strategic partnerships."
Head of Communications Altun noted that Türkiye, a regional and global power, develops practical and inclusive policies in response to the challenges it faces, thereby strengthening and enhancing its alliances and partnerships. He further stated that Türkiye has a perspective and vision that prioritises finding inclusive and long-lasting solutions to various challenges, both domestic and global, with a particular emphasis on irregular migration, terrorism, and refugee issues.
Head of Communications Altun highlighted that the stabilizing role of Türkiye on the regional and global scale is strengthened by its capabilities, the way it uses these capabilities, its goals, and its vision.
"Türkiye's most fundamental expectation from its allies is to cease support for terrorist organisations"
Head of Communications Altun stressed that the spirit of alliance deems necessary the recognition and appreciation of Türkiye's multidimensional struggle by its allies. This struggle seeks regional and global stability while bolstering its national security, which should be a fundamental priority for all nations. He went on to say,
"Considering present circumstances, the presence of FETÖ in the United States poses a threat to American society. Supporting the terrorist organisations that Türkiye is combating and refusing to extradite terrorists goes against the principles of strategic partnership and alliance.
Türkiye's most fundamental expectation from its allies is to extradite terrorists and cease support for terrorist organisations. Both Türkiye and the United States would benefit from effectively addressing areas of concern and disagreements that are a threat to our bilateral relations. It is essential to approach these issues with a constructive, realistic, and decisive mindset. It is worth noting that Türkiye and the United States are NATO allies. I would like to reiterate that the multidimensional and in-depth cooperation between the two NATO allies is essential for the security, stability and peace of our countries."
The Head of Communications expressed his hope that the panel will significantly contribute to the growth of relations between the two countries.