In his video message, in which he addressed the Turkish-American community, displayed in Madison Square Park on the occasion of the "41st Traditional Turkish Day Parade" in New York, Presidency's Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun said, "We are pleased and proud to organise cultural events in New York that accurately reflect our country's culture and diversity."
Highlighting that the streets of Manhattan were adorned with the red and white of the Turkish flag, Head of Communications Altun stated, "We share in your enthusiasm and excitement for this exceptional event, which attracts hundreds of participants from the Turkic world, especially the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Azerbaijan."
"The Turkish-American community serves as an important bridge in cultural relations"
Head of Communications Altun underlined that with its 80-year existence and growing influence, the Turkish-American community evolved into a powerful and dynamic component of the US, and it could be seen that it acts as an important bridge in Türkiye-US cultural relations.
Addressing the Turkish-American community, Head of Communications Altun continued his speech:
"Despite residing on a different continent, you serve as our ambassadors, displaying a strong passion for Türkiye and actively promoting our nation's rich history, values, and cultural heritage to your circle of friends abroad. You are performing crucial duties at the institutions and organisations, universities, and think tanks where you work. We know that as you continue your successful work in this direction, you also preserve your ties with your homeland as a member of our nation. You are doing your best to retain your identity and keep our culture alive on that land. I congratulate and thank each and every one of you for your accomplishments, efforts, and endeavours.”
Remarking that the Turkish-American community that maintains its ties with its homeland is the "ambassadors of the Turkish nation and citizen diplomats," Head of Communications Altun said, "We always encourage you to participate actively in civil society organisations in the United States of America and to become an influential part of the society in which you live, as well as to explain Turkish culture, our country's values, and its rightful arguments in your circles abroad."
"Two countries will be able to strengthen their relations with your contributions"
Head of Communications Altun stated that Türkiye's notion of cohesion and integration was founded on Turkish citizens' active engagement in the lives of the communities in which they live and the preservation of their own cultures and values, adding, "We are honoured that you, who play a crucial role in the development of Türkiye-US relations, have become respected members of your society while maintaining your connection to our language and culture."
Noting that they were pleased to observe that the Turkish-American community had matured throughout history with the contributions of citizens, Head of Communications Altun said, "You can overcome any challenge if you unite around your common values. I believe that preserving your unity and solidarity in the next period will assist our American friends in better understanding our country, culture, and history."
Head of Communications Altun highlighted that the two countries, which had been allies for nearly 70 years and shared a vision of peace, democracy, and prosperity, would be able to strengthen their political, economic, and cultural relations with the contributions of Turkish-American society.
"We expect our American counterparts to cooperate in our fight against terrorist organisations"
Stating that neglected areas are frequently vulnerable to exploitation by "groups harbouring hostility" against Türkiye and the Turkish nation, Head of Communications Altun said:
"Furthermore, you have first-hand knowledge of the endeavours of interest groups to sabotage the relationship between the United States and Türkiye. It is crucial to put an end to those efforts, as they are aimed at Türkiye and contain allegations that are not consistent with historical or legal reasons as well as the truth. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that Washington's government agencies and American citizens are aware of the truth about our nation. We expect our American counterparts to cooperate in our fight against terrorist organisations in a manner befitting the spirit of our alliance. We believe you will continue to unmask these terrorist organisations on all available platforms."
Head of Communications Altun, citing rising anti-Turkish sentiments and Islamophobia, indicated that the Turkish-American community and American Muslims may also face occasional assaults.
Stating that they expected American authorities to take strong measures to combat hate crimes against Muslims and the Turkish community, Head of Communications Altun said:
"I would like to emphasise that the things that unite us and make us unique outweigh the things that divide us. I believe that if we work together, the Turkish-American community and our countries will accomplish far better achievements. I congratulate all of our associations and organisations, particularly the Federation of Turkish American Associations, for their outstanding contributions to the 41st Turkish Day Parade and extend my sincere appreciation to our esteemed guests who took part in the Turkish Day Parade."