Director of Communications Altun: "Supporting the terrorist organisations that Türkiye is combating, as well as refusing to extradite the terrorists sadly undermines the strategic partnership and alliance. We will continue to object to the fact that the same approach is not viewed as problematic for countries whose NATO membership is on the table."
Presidency's Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun addressed the participants with a video message at the “Panel on the Past and Future of Türkiye-US Relations” organised by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications at the Türkevi Centre in New York.
Expressing his satisfaction that the event, which was organised to discuss the history, current situation and future of Türkiye-US relations, was held at Türkevi Centre, Director of Communications Altun said that Türkevi Centre has a key role in terms of our country's position in the international community and Türkiye-US relations.
Recalling President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's words at the inauguration ceremony that the Türkevi Centre is "another embodiment of the rising and growing Türkiye's diplomatic weight and vision", Director of Communications Altun said that the remarkable building hosts yet another event in accordance with the mission outlined by President Erdoğan.
Stating that they organised panels as part of the activities for the 39th Turkish Day Parade as the Directorate of Communications, Director of Communications Altun said that the Turkish Day Parade, which was initiated in 1981 as a reaction to the assassination of Turkish diplomats by the Armenian terrorist organisation ASALA, has been one of the most significant events of the Turkish-American community in the US throughout the years.
Indicating that while the Turkish Day Parade reinforces the solidarity of Turkish citizens residing in the US, it also presents a significant chance to promote Turkish culture, Director of Communications Altun stated that they wish to view this significant event as an opportunity for Türkiye-US relations as well.
Noting that Türkiye-US relations have a long history, Director of Communications Altun emphasised that the regional and global developments they face today clearly demonstrate the necessity and significance of cooperation and dialogue between the two countries. Director of Communications Altun said that they believe they can retain and deepen their relations in line with the alliance and strategic partnership principles.
"Türkiye is a country that strengthens and adds value to the unions"
Pointing out that Türkiye and the US can continue to play significant roles in regional and global issues by emphasising peace, security, and welfare, Director of Communications Altun said, "We must keep in mind that Türkiye strengthens and adds value to the unions, alliances, and partnerships in which it participates".
Underlining that Türkiye is also in a critical position as a regional power that develops and implements realistic and feasible policies regarding regional and global issues, Director of Communications Altun continues:
"We have addressed and continue to address every concern, particularly irregular migration, refugees, and terrorism, with a holistic perspective and a root-cause solution approach. For instance, it is evident that Türkiye's actions in northern Syria and Iraq contributed not only to its own geographic stability but also to global stability. These steps are designed in a way to avert future humanitarian tragedies. We are effectively combatting a wide range of terrorist organisations, from the PKK-PYD to DAESH, DHKP-C to FETO, both within and beyond our borders. Also, we continue our diplomacy traffic in the Russia-Ukraine war under the leadership of our President from the onset of the crisis, with a realistic and sincere perspective on resolution."
"The US government must fight regional and global terrorism alongside us"
Emphasising how all of these steps they do not only solidify national security but also serve regional and global stability, Director of Communications Altun affirmed that Türkiye expects its allies to stand by its side in this multifaceted struggle ranging from terrorism to irregular migration.
Director of Communications Altun went on to say:
"As our President has indicated, the US government must fight regional and global terrorism alongside us, not against us. In this context, the United States should recognise, before it is too late, that the presence of FETO in the country also poses an immediate threat to American society. Supporting the terrorist organisations that Türkiye is combating, as well as refusing to extradite the terrorists, sadly undermines the strategic partnership and alliance. We will continue to object to the fact that the same approach is not viewed problematic for the countries whose NATO membership is on the table. Everyone should recognise the irrationality of welcoming countries that back a terrorist organisation an ally is battling to join the alliance."
"The potential for cooperation between Türkiye and the United States must be fully mobilised"
Stating that, Türkiye have always been open to expanding its cooperation with the United States in areas of shared interests, Director of Communications Altun noted that they have sought to resolve the problems and divergences that negatively impact the bilateral ties by handling them efficiently.
Emphasising that they will maintain the same constructive, realistic, and decisive approach, Director of Communications Altun said, "It is quite evident that the United States should act with the benefits of Türkiye's friendship in mind."
Director of Communications Altun went on to add that the potential for cooperation between Türkiye and the United States must be fully mobilised in all fields, from economy to security.
