|
Turkey - USA Interparliamentary Friendship Caucus Chairman
Serving as the Chairman of the Turkey-USA Interparliamentary Friendship Caucus for five years, I met with members of the US congress, their advisors and representatives of the private sector both in groups and individually. These meetings helped to improve relations and strengthen communications between the two countries. As the chairman of the Turkey-USA Interparliamentary Friendship Caucus and on behalf of the prime minister, I tried to relay positive messages between these two countries, whose friendship is seldom questioned, and remind both sides that the Turkey-USA friendship remains on a solid foundation.
My prime minister frequently points out that “although it used to be political relations that guided the economy, today it is the economy that guides politics.” This is why I have tried, and will continue to try, to emphasize that the commercial dimension of Turkish-American relations should be of at least the same importance as the political and military dimensions.
As a result of The United States Association of Former Members of Congress's (USAFMC) efforts and logistical support, Parliamentary Friendship Group has created a study group to work on issues related to Turkey. The establishment of this Turkish working group is a very promising event. Friendship groups, which are intended for political support, differ from study groups, whose purposes are facilitating communications, dialog and understanding between the US Congress and the other country's parliament.
This particular study group's functions are establishing good relations between the US Congress and their counterparts and private sector representatives, NGOs and government authorities as well as informing members of the US Congress of developments relating to the Turkey-US relationship. In this context, it complements the friendship group’s activities. The Turkish study group has gotten off to a good start in performing useful studies on current events and future affairs.
Establishing a work group in the US Congress has proven very useful in every respect. It has been contributing to our efforts by effectively reflecting our country's positive image to a large group of people.
The first activity of this work group, established in Washington, DC, was to symbolically end the embargo on Cyprus. With our efforts, membership in the Turkey Friendship Caucus of the US Congress has increased from 19 to 70, which once again clearly indicated the importance of lobbying.
|
