ANKARA - U.S. Ambassador in Ankara Eric Edelman hosted a reception at the U.S. Embassy Residence to mark the 228th anniversary of the independence of the United States.
The Ambassador of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was invited to a U.S. reception for the first time.
Speaking at the reception which is traditionally held in the last week of June but took place earlier this year ahead of U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to Turkey and NATO summit, Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said that on behalf of the Turkish government, he congratulated anniversary of the independence of the United States.
Noting that relations between Turkey and the United States were given shape under democracy, human rights, supremacy of law and common values, Gul said that partnership and alliance relations were strengthened with those values and they had exerted joint efforts for many issues and both Turkey and the United States had acquisitions.
Stating that relations between Turkey and the United States in fields of culture, education, tourism, economy, energy and trade in addition to security relations and political issues had reached important points, Gul said that international system had been going through a transformation process and he believed current partnership would continue also after this process.
Gul added he believed that cooperation between Turkey and the United States would contribute to global peace and stability.
Meanwhile, Edelman said that the U.S. Congress had approved independence on July 4, 1776, which was very meaningful to them.
Stressing that relations between Turkey and the United States had a long and friendly history, Edelman said that the alliance at the NATO during Cold War period yesterday was fighting against international terrorism today.
Edelman added that Turkey and the United States which were working together would contribute to positive transformation in the region and in the world.
Turkish General Staff Chief General Hilmi Ozkok, Turkish State Minister Ali Babacan, TRNC Ambassador in Ankara Ahmet Zeki Bulunc and several diplomatic mission representatives in Ankara attended the reception.
(MS-AÖ) 26.05.2004