Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun underscored the importance of cooperation between Türkiye and the U.S. amid ongoing global challenges.
"Türkiye and the United States no doubt have a long-standing relationship. Given the current regional and global challenges, it is becoming increasingly clear that cooperation and dialogue between both countries are extremely important," Altun said in a video message to the Türkiye-U.S. Relations in the Century of Türkiye panel.
The panel was organized by the Communications Directorate at the Türkevi (Turkish House) in New York City to delve into the history, present state, and future of Türkiye-U.S. relations.
Altun said Türkiye's "constructive" role has "successfully" helped to prevent major and extended crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war and supply chain interruptions.
"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 increased global challenges, undermined confidence in peace and eroded trust in international values," he added.
Stressing that Türkiye "immediately" took action to halt Israeli "massacres" in the Gaza Strip, Altun said Ankara remains committed to its diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Ankara-Washington relations have deteriorated in recent years over a string of issues, including Israel’s war on Gaza, defense cooperation and the fight against terrorism.
Ankara has long been critical of the U.S. stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, particularly Washington's unconditional support of the Netanyahu administration, which President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused of committing war crimes in Gaza.
Türkiye also often voices disappointment with its historic ally over its support for the YPG, the Syrian branch of the PKK terrorist group, which has killed thousands in Türkiye over the past four decades, as well as the Gülenist Terrorist Group (FETÖ), which orchestrated a bloody yet defeat coup in July 2016.
The U.S. is also under fire for hosting FETÖ leader Fetullah Gülen, who resides in a retreat in Pennsylvania.
Türkiye wishes to collaborate with the U.S. in other areas as well, Altun continued.
"We strongly believe that the relationship between Türkiye and the U.S. hold potential to develop peace, security, and prosperity-based approaches to regional and global concerns while adhering to the tenets of alliance and strategic partnerships," he said.
Ankara prioritizes finding "inclusive and long-lasting" solutions to various domestic and global challenges, with a particular emphasis on irregular migration, terrorism and refugee issues.
“The spirit of the alliance is deemed necessary to recognize and appreciate 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," Altun noted.
Turning to FETÖ, Altun warned that the said the presence of FETÖ in the U.S. poses a "threat" to American society.
"Supporting the terrorist organizations 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 organizations," Altun said, adding that both Türkiye and the U.S. would benefit from "effectively" addressing areas of concern and disagreements that are a threat to the bilateral relations.
The panel is being hosted as part of the 41st Turkish Day Parade, which was first held in 1981 in response to the assassination of Turkish diplomats by the Armenian terror group ASALA.
Altun said this event has evolved over the years into a "highly significant gathering" for the Turkish-American community in the U.S.
"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," he said, adding that the purpose of the panel is to explore the bilateral relations between the two countries from different angles.
Members of the Turkish American community marked the 41st anniversary of the Turkish Day Parade under the coordination of the communications office.
Revelers from New York and other states lined the sidewalks of Madison Avenue to watch the parade. Various organizations, including Turkish cultural organizations organized by the Federation of Turkish American Associations, as well as students from Turkish teaching schools, joined the march and greeted dignitaries.
The march, which started from Madison Ave. and 38th Street, continued with celebrations at the concert area in Madison Square Park on 25th Street. Guests enjoyed performances by Turkish artists and folklore groups, experiencing exciting moments throughout the event.
