Head of Communications Duran said, “The year 2027 will mark a period in which both countries redefine their roles in the international system. This centennial is undoubtedly a strategic turning point for both countries.”
Presidency's Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, delivered remarks on the 100th anniversary of Turkish-American diplomatic relations at a panel titled “Türkiye-U.S. Relations on the Eve of the Centennial” held in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Drawing attention to the fact that the two countries are going through a “critical historical juncture” and underscoring the importance of bilateral relations during this period, Head of Communications Duran said, “We are going through a period in which the international system itself is being reshaped. The year 2027 will mark a period in which both countries redefine their roles in the international system. This centennial is undoubtedly a strategic turning point for both countries.”
The current international order is once again in the process of restructuring
Head of Communications Duran stated that diplomatic relations between Türkiye and the United States began in 1927 within a newly established international system, adding, "Today, one hundred years later, the current international order is once again in the process of restructuring." Head of Communications Duran emphasised that power in today's international order is distributed among multiple centres and that regional actors are more important than ever, as economic interdependence persists and geopolitical competition heats up.
"The new politics of power have raised new issues based on technological advancements. As a result, our countries must manage all of these systemic, regional, and technological transformations concurrently," said Head of Communications Duran, noting that Türkiye has taken important steps in this regard.
History of Türkiye-US relations is a summary of world history over past century
Noting the importance of relations between Washington and Ankara, and stating, "The history of Türkiye-US relations is, in many respects, a summary of world history over the past century," Head of Communications Duran underlined that the relationship between the two countries derives not from a model of continuous and linear progress, but from its capacity to adapt functionally.
Head of Communications Duran pointed to the ability to adapt to changing conditions as an important source of strength for Türkiye, stressing that the Republic of Türkiye's priority 100 years ago was diplomatic normalisation and recognition of its sovereignty. Noting that the ‘strategic transformation’ between the two countries took place after the Second World War, Head of Communications Duran said, “The post-war period fundamentally altered the dynamics of Türkiye–US relations. The relationship evolved from diplomatic engagement toward strategic integration. From that point onwards, Türkiye became part of the European and Mediterranean security environment.”
Stating that both Türkiye and the United States faced common strategic threats throughout the Cold War, Head of Communications Duran recalled that there had been serious disagreements, particularly over issues such as the Cyprus dispute and crises in defence relations.
Head of Communications Duran said, “However, alliances may not always be based on complete agreement. Successful alliances have mechanisms for managing differences of opinion,” emphasising the bilateral relationship’s capacity to resolve problems.
The direct dialogue between President Erdoğan and US President Trump
Opining that Türkiye and the United States' maintenance of dialogue during the most challenging periods is an indicator of "the strategic resilience of Türkiye-US relations", Head of Communications Duran said, “Over time, our areas of cooperation have contributed to the formation of an institutionalised tradition of dialogue. This dialogue is extremely important for the future of our relations.”
Highlighting the importance of “strong political will and dialogue between leaders” in Turkish-American relations, Head of Communications Duran stated, "Today, the direct dialogue between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Donald Trump has opened up new avenues for making progress on issues that have remained unresolved for years." Head of Communications Duran said that direct contacts between the two leaders had helped to create a more constructive atmosphere and highlighted the importance of high-level political leadership in Türkiye–US relations.
Explaining that states and international systems are changing, Duran added, "The new century requires Türkiye and the US to reassess their current perceptions of one another." Head of Communications Duran emphasised that the future of Turkish-American relations cannot be shaped “by crisis management”, noting that "Syria, the fight against terrorism and defence will retain their significance, but a strategic partnership must also create new areas of cooperation."
Duran stated that, in the new century, cooperation between Ankara and Washington is increasingly shaped by critical areas including the defence industry, energy, trade, investment, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, academia, science, supply chains, and critical minerals, adding that "Strategic relations must not only manage differences of opinion but also create new opportunities."
Emphasising that strong partnerships require capable partners and that modern alliances cannot be built on dependence, Communications Director Duran highlighted that Türkiye’s defence industry, military capabilities, diplomatic reach, energy and transport ties, and crisis management capabilities constitute crucial strategic advantages.
Emphasis on importance of Ankara NATO Summit
Pointing out the significance of the NATO Summit held in Ankara in July, Head of Communications Duran stressed that allies must assume greater responsibility and deepen cooperation in the defence industry. Pointing out that Turkish-American relations are also a relationship between communities, Head of Communications Duran said, “The second century cannot be built by governments alone. The Turkish-American relationship is also a relationship between societies. The Turkish community in the United States has served as an enduring bridge between our countries.”
Head of Communications Duran recalled that the Turkish community in the United States has produced distinguished figures, from Ahmet Ertegün, the founder of Atlantic Records, to Nobel Prize-winning scientist Aziz Sancar, and said that members of the community have made lasting contributions to American science, culture and the arts. Offering an overall assessment of bilateral relations as they enter a new century, Head of Communications Duran said, “Our centennial should therefore serve three purposes: preserving the memory of the past, connecting our societies in the present, and preparing the generation that will carry this relationship into its next hundred years.”
Head of Communications Duran said, "The second century of Türkiye-US relations will require more than good intentions. We need a relationship that is rational, predictable and grounded in a clear recognition of each other’s realities."
Head of Communications Duran stated that the Directorate of Communications is planning a wide range of cultural and diplomatic events throughout 2027 and said, “Through these events, we hope to celebrate the friendship and cooperation between our countries.”
Meanwhile, Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran shared a post about the panel on his NSosyal account.
In his post, Head of Communications Duran said, "During the week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, at the panel titled 'Türkiye-United States Relations on the Eve of the Centennial', organised by the Directorate of Communications in New York, we discussed the century-long history of Türkiye-US relations and their future within the changing international system.
I would like to thank our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Hakan Fidan, for honouring our panel with his presence, as well as our distinguished experts and academicians for their contributions, and I hope that the programme will contribute to shaping shared goals and new areas of cooperation for the second century of Türkiye-US relations.”
