Address By H.E. Abdullah Gül on Turkish-American Relations at the Council on Foreign Relations

24.09.2010
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President Haass,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to be here, once again, at the Council on Foreign Relations and to address such an esteemed gathering of friends. 

CFR has been one of the leading intellectual centers in the U.S. on foreign policy issues. With its able leadership, powerful team of experts, and influential publications, notably Foreign Affairs Magazine, the Council has always been a place where the great policy makers share their ideas and collaborate.

I still remember my first speech at CFR in 1997 when I was Minister of State. Since then, I have always enjoyed and valued my participation in similar events organized by CFR.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

During the Cold War years and for a while afterwards, security-related issues lay at the core of our relations. Indeed, Turkey and the United States have been vital to each other’s security and interests for many decades.

We have stood together in the face of international challenges from Korea to Bosnia, and from Somalia to Afghanistan.

It has been a vital partnership based on shared democratic values and an agenda for positive change on regional and global issues of common interest.   

However, the new dynamics of the international system have introduced a clear element of multidimensionality in our bilateral relations.

Obviously, our partnership has to reflect the realities of our age. Although still important, security issues are no longer the sole determinant of our partnership.

Today, our common agenda for cooperation extends;

            - from various regions and countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Middle East, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Eastern Mediterranean,

            - to important thematic issues related to energy security, NATO, non-proliferation, the fight against terrorism, the global financial crisis, cultural polarization, poverty, and development.

Therefore, our relationship cannot solely be qualified as a “strategic partnership” anymore. It should be a more comprehensive “model partnership”, as President Obama characterized it during his first overseas bilateral visit to Turkey last year.

The vision of a Model Partnership requires that we enhance our relationship in various fields in addition to security. 

In particular, we should bring our economic and commercial relations to a level that is proportional with our political and military relations.

I raised this point with President Obama when he visited us last year and proposed to establish a new mechanism in our dialogue for economic issues.   I sincerely appreciate his immediate endorsement of this idea.

With President Obama’s backing, the first Ministerial meeting of the “Framework for Strategic Economic and Commercial Cooperation” will be held on October 19, 2010 in Washington.

Furthermore, the Business Council which will convene for the first time within this new framework will serve as an important instrument to encourage closer cooperation between our private sectors.  

I believe that all these intensified and institutionalized contacts will translate into tangible achievements in our economic and commercial ties between the U.S. and Turkey.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In an increasingly globalized world, Turkey continues to be a constructive actor in its region and to make positive contributions to the establishment of a peaceful and viable international system. 

Many problems affecting world peace and security take place in Turkey’s vicinity. We aim to inspire confidence in our region, by mobilizing political, economic and human resources. We deploy all our available assets in order to seek stability, peace and prosperity for all.

Those assets emanate from our democratic values, history, social and cultural ties, growing economic capabilities, and, above all, our ability to understand different dynamics at play in a vast area spanning from Europe to Asia.  This makes Turkey a source of inspiration for many countries and regions in the world.

Unfortunately, not everyone is fully aware of what Turkey has already achieved and what more we are capable of accomplishing. Within the last couple of months, we have observed the emergence of an unfavorable narrative in the U.S. media and in the U.S. Congress regarding Turkey.

I believe that there is a considerable gap between the perceptions and the realities about Turkey stemming from biased judgments or inaccurate information.

Some issues that do not necessarily pertain directly to our bilateral relations with the United States have, nevertheless, had a bearing on our relationship; such as the draft resolutions on the events of 1915, Iran’s nuclear program, and the Gaza aid convoy incident.

Normally, issues like these would have nothing to do with the essence of our bilateral relations. They nevertheless pose a considerable risk to them.

There were times when our relations were tested by challenges. However, the ultimate direction, manifested by common sense and realism, has always pointed to a strong partnership between Turkey and the United States.

Therefore, we must work together to explain to our respective domestic audiences the true nature of Turkish – American relations. We should describe how our close cooperation serves both our countries’ national interests, as well as why this cooperation is essential for regional and global peace.

While we may at times differ on the approach, our ultimate objectives have been identical. As longtime allies, both our nations want to promote peace and stability across the globe. As was the case in the past, Turkey is and will remain a strong, committed and reliable ally of the United States.

I also would like to challenge the narrative of “shift of axis” in Turkish foreign policy.

Our multidimensional geography dictates that we pursue active and nuanced policies to address the complex security challenges surrounding Turkey. 

In our part of the world where local problems can quickly escalate into regional crises, isolationism or exclusion is not a viable option. Therefore, our efforts are driven by engagement, dialogue, reconciliation, and cooperation.

Like the United States, Turkey cannot remain indifferent to the developments in her region.

Hence, accusing Turkey of shifting its western orientation because of its result-oriented and constructive initiatives, say, in the Middle East, is no different than blaming the U.S. for abandoning its Trans-Atlantic ties because of her efforts to address the challenges in the Pacific.

Distinguished Guests,

There are many issues where Turkish-US foreign policies overlap. It is my sincere conviction that our firm cooperation will serve like a “diplomatic multiplier” in the resolution of a significant number of pressing global and regional challenges and conflicts. Middle East, Afghanistan and Iraq are the cases in point.

Let me begin with the Middle East peace process. Permanent peace in the Middle East holds the key to a peaceful and stable future in the world. Nevertheless, the absence of peace there, has had serious and adverse strategic consequences for the rest of the world.

Therefore, we always supported all efforts to reach a comprehensive peace in the Middle East. With this understanding, we appreciate President Obama’s efforts and welcome the direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

We hope that this new engagement can take us closer to a viable and fair settlement.                                                                     

With regards to the Israeli military attack against a civilian humanitarian aid convoy on the high seas in May, at the outset, we tried to prevent any unwanted action and were always in contact with Israel.

Nonetheless, the attack resulted in grave civilian casualties and was an unacceptable act in clear violation of international law.

In the light of international law, Turkey’s expectation is a formal apology and compensation for the families of the victims and the injured people.

Therefore, we attach particular importance to the work of the Panel of Inquiry and the Fact-Finding Mission. 

 We believe that the recently published report of the Fact Finding Mission of UN Human Rights Council offers a solid legal framework for establishing the facts about this incident. We also look forward to successful completion of the work of the Panel.

That said, I must also emphasize that Turkey and Israel are friends. There are strong, centuries-old ties of friendship between our peoples. Turkey was the first Muslim majority country to recognize Israel back in 1949.

Yet, we cannot pretend as if nothing happened this past May. Therefore, we expect Israel to take the necessary steps.

In sum, I would like to underline that Turkey supports all efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. 

Naturally, we are more than ready to further deepen our cooperation with the U.S. and contribute to U.S. efforts and initiatives to that end.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Turkey and the United States share a common vision regarding Iraq, and our objectives there overlap.

The ultimate aim of both countries is to help Iraq become a democratic, politically unified, stable and economically prosperous country, where the rule of law and respect for human rights prevail.

Our objective is also to support Iraq in its efforts to integrate with the international community.

With this goal in mind, Turkey has been actively involved and played a key role in overcoming numerous problematic issues. For instance, we convinced the Sunni Iraqis to join into the political process.                                                                                                                      

We have also introduced a new bilateral framework of cooperation and concluded 48 Memoranda of Understandings that promote increased collaboration on a wide range of sectors.

Turkey's policy towards Iraq has always been driven by the need to establish a stable political and security environment that will help our Iraqi neighbors devote their energies to building a prosperous future for themselves.

Moreover, we sincerely desire that the new government in Iraq will reflect the balance that emerged at the elections. The new government must be “inclusive”, “effective” and “democratic”.

In the aftermath of the withdrawal of foreign combat troops, we also urge all neighbors of Iraq to act responsibly and support the territorial integrity, political unity and sovereignty of Iraq.

As Turkey and the United States are now cooperating in the political process and encouraging all parties to find ways to overcome the obstacles they face in their negotiations to form a viable government.

As friends and allies, we are also collaborating on the withdrawal of American military equipment via Turkey.

We are glad to see that, Iraq, once a thorn in our bilateral relations with the U.S., is now an area of extensive cooperation. Our collaboration there testifies to the reality of our “model partnership”.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Iran is another important topic that has been on the global agenda for many years. The developments concerning this country are of direct interest to Turkey, both as a neighbor, and as a responsible member of the international community.

Our seat on the U.N. Security Council has been another, although certainly not the only, factor in our engagement of Iran.

I have mentioned earlier that Turkey mobilizes all its assets to promote dialogue, peace and cooperation. We believe in employing every possible peaceful measure for resolving international disputes. Our relationship with Iran is a clear example of this approach.

Turkey’s relations with Iran allow us to give open and direct messages to its leadership. This benefits the international community, too.

Given the already volatile situation in the region, diplomacy offers the only viable avenue for a lasting solution. 

In this context, the Tehran Declaration is an important confidence-building step that aims to pave the way towards the peaceful resolution of Iran’s nuclear file.

I am sure you all want to hear the reasons why we were against tougher sanctions, which the U.N, Security Council adopted on  June 9th in Resolution 1929.

We believe our vote reflected our principled stance in favor of a diplomatic solution. 

Our position does not, under any circumstances, mean unconditional support for Iran’s nuclear program.

On the contrary, we have made it clear to the Iranians that we do not want Iran to have nuclear weapons in our neighborhood. 

What we want to do is give diplomacy a chance; the time; and space to succeed. Eventually, our efforts kept diplomatic track alive.

In our view, patient diplomacy, engagement, and sustained negotiations stand a much better chance of producing the desired results than rigid sanctions, which end up hurting civilian populations and neighboring countries alike.  

There is yet room and time for a peaceful and negotiated resolution of this sensitive issue. This opportunity should not be missed.

Turkey will remain engaged and ready to bring about a diplomatic solution of this very critical matter, which has the potential for making or breaking the quest for peace in the Middle East.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In elaborating the issues top on our agenda, I wish to touch upon another important subject: Afghanistan.

Securing peace in Afghanistan will mean stability, security, and prosperity for Afghans, the region and the world.

Turkey invests heavily in the future of Afghanistan with which we enjoy deep-rooted multidimensional relations.

The focal points of Turkish endeavors in Afghanistan include education, particularly of girls; sanitary and health infrastructure; and capacity building, particularly the training of Afghan National Security Forces.

Our assistance program has provided medical treatment to 1 million Afghans; education to 70 thousand boys and girls; and training to 13 thousand Afghan soldiers and police.

Twenty-seven out of 34 provinces of Afghanistan have been covered by Turkish assistance programs. In two provinces Turkey maintains civilian-led Provincial Reconstruction Teams that help bring assistance to local people.

We alone, took the command of ISAF twice in the past. Now, the Kabul regional military command is led by a Turkish general and his 1800 strong officers and soldiers.

While some of our allies were withdrawing their soldiers from Afghanistan or not willing to take any responsibility, we decided to lead the Kabul regional command for one more year upon requests from our allies including President Obama.

In a nutshell, I can tell you that we are currently implementing the most comprehensive assistance program in Afghanistan in our Republic’s history. Our commitment to Afghanistan is open-ended. It will continue as long as the Afghans require it.

We are making a parallel effort on the diplomatic front, especially with respect to the regional dimension. Before the end of this year, we will have organized no less than 20 international meetings, including three Turkey-Afghanistan-Pakistan Presidential Summits with a

focus on Afghanistan.

As you may remember, even President Bush’s attempt to bring the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan together in Washington ended with a failure due to the lack of confidence between the leaders.

 So our efforts are hard to match and the achievements are concrete, relevant and long lasting.

Take the example of the Trilateral Summits among Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have evolved in the last three years into a comprehensive process. The Presidents, Ministers, parliamentarians, Chiefs of Staff and, Intelligence Directors have met many times.

We also launched similar trilateral mechanism for businessmen and senior bureaucrats.

Finally, we have consistently encouraged Afghan groups to take appropriate steps towards cementing national unity and solidarity.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As a strong NATO ally, a negotiating candidate to the European Union and member of many regional and global organizations, Turkey is a networked and connected power.

We believe that the path to an effective and fair global order goes through local building blocks as well. So, on a regional scale, Turkey is already playing an active part in shaping the future.

However, let me underline that Turkish foreign policy is definitely not focused on regional issues alone.

We try to usher in a better global economic structure through our participation in the G-20, while being no less diligent about issues like curbing global warming, combating terrorism and ensuring sustainable energy supplies and eradicating poverty.

As a global power, I know the United States should engage with its partners in addressing these issues.

For instance, combating terrorism  constitutes one of the most important areas of cooperation between Turkey and United States.

We believe that this threat cannot be countered without “sincere”, “effective”, and “concrete” international cooperation. Our struggle against terrorism is bound to fail, unless we fight all terrorist organizations irrespective of their so-called political, ideological, ethnic or religious aims.

As the two allies long suffering from terrorism, we should enhance our cooperation in fighting terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaida and PKK. On its part, I can assure that Turkey is collaborating 100 percent with the US.

Furthermore, we are keenly extending a helping hand to underdeveloped states struggling to overcome chronic problems.

As all this makes clear, we are driven by a desire to make our modest contribution to the global efforts a long with our allies.

In this regard, I believe our record so far as a responsible non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council also speaks for itself.

 Distinguished Guests,

These are only some of the more urgent issues on a long list of subjects that are of direct interest to both Turkey and the U.S.  Going through the entire list would probably require a dozen CFR speeches!

Despite occasional setbacks, Turkey and the United States have displayed an exemplary spirit of cooperation and solidarity.  Although there is plenty of space for improvement, we should not lose sight of the value of what we already have.

Therefore, for all those who attach importance to U.S.-Turkish relations: Let us continue to protect, cherish, and further enrich this vital partnership in the years to come.

Let us broaden and deepen our relationship to leave a legacy of two allied nations, whose exemplary collaboration make a difference for peace and stability in this century.

I believe that the Council on Foreign Relations will also do its share in that regard, and promote this model partnership.

Thank you.

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