Turkey

The Turkey-United States Economic Partnership Commission (EPC) met for the fourth time April 16-17, 2008, in Washington. The EPC is a strategic economic dialogue within the framework of the "Shared Vision and Structured Dialogue to Advance the Turkish-American Strategic Partnership" that Secretary of State Rice and then-Foreign Minister Gul concluded on July 5, 2006. Expanding economic ties is integral to advancing the strong and lasting friendship and strategic partnership between the United States and Turkey. The two delegations talked about U.S., Turkish, and global economic trends and how continued structural reforms can help deepen the bilateral economic partnership and contribute to regional and global prosperity, as well as security. A substantial portion of the EPC dialogue was committed to energy security. Expanding energy supply, as well as diversifying sources and routes, is key to helping Turkey and Europe satisfy their energy needs. The United States expressed support for Turkey's vocation as a member of the European Union, which all agreed will strengthen relations between Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. 

2008: Turkey-United States Economic Partnership Commission Meets (May 2, 2008) | Secretary Rice Speaks at the American-Turkish Council Luncheon (Apr 16, 2008)

It is President Bush's "strong wish, our government's strong wish that we now strengthen our relationship with Turkey for the period ahead," R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, told the press after a meeting with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on September 18. "In that respect we said that we will continue to support very strongly Turkey's prospects for accession, full accession, to the European Union. And we will continue to give strong support to Turkey's effort to combat the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party)," he continued.

2007: U.S., British Efforts To Stabilize Iraq-Turkey Border Intensify (Oct 23, 2007) (U.S.-U.K. Joint Statement) (Rice, U.K. Foreign Secretary Miliband Remarks) | Under Secretary Burns After Meeting with Turkish Prime Minister (Sep 20, 2007) | Under Secretary Burns on the Future of U.S.-Turkey Relations (Sep 19, 2007) | House Subcommittee Examines U.S.-Turkish Relations (Feb 15, 2007) | Assistant Secretary Fried on the U.S.-Turkish Relationship (Feb 8, 2007)

The United States congratulates Turkey on its ongoing economic reforms and supports Turkey’s entrance into the European Union (EU), President Bush told reporters October 2, 2006. “I made it very clear to the prime minister I think it's in the United States' interests that Turkey join the European Union,” Bush said during a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House. “And I congratulate the Prime Minister and his government for the economic reforms that have enabled the Turkish economy to be strong, for the good of the Turkish people.” “It was important to hear the president say that their support for Turkey's membership to the European Union [EU] will continue,” Erdogan said. “We have also discussed Turkey's progress and reforms with regards to the European Union -- the Copenhagen political criteria, as well as Maastricht criteria, and the recent work that is ongoing with the screening process at the EU for Turkey's accession.”

2006: State's Fried Discusses Russia, Georgia, and U.S.-EU Cooperation (Oct 20, 2006) | U.S. Supports Turkey's Bid To Join the European Union (Oct 2, 2006) | U.S. Welcomes Proposed EU Membership for Bulgaria, Romania (Sep 26, 2006)  | U.S. Says Turkey Can Be Cultural Example, Energy Hub in Europe (Jul 7, 2006) | State's Fried Says on Turkey, Balkans, NATO (May 3, 2006) | Cyprus Division "Has Gone On Too Long," Rice Says in Greece (Apr 25, 2006) (Transcript of comments) | New Human Rights and Democracy Report Highlights U.S. Efforts (Apr 5, 2006) (Section on Europe & Eurasia) | U.S. Official Highlight's Turkey's Economic Progress (Apr 3, 2006)

Matthew Bryza, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European AffairsTurkey’s ambition to join the EU can show the Muslim world that it is possible to accomplish democratic reforms while respecting cultural differences, a U.S. diplomat said February 7 at a press roundtable in Brussels, Belgium, that also touched on the Cyprus peace process and the recent publication of inflammatory cartoons parodying Islam. Turkey’s eligibility for the European Union will be determined by EU members and by Turkey’s ability to meet political and economic benchmarks, said Matthew Bryza, the deputy assistant secretary of state for southeastern Europe and Central Asia. “Of course, we want to do everything we can to keep Turkey’s accession process on track,” he added. Byrza said, “Turkey has a proud history of advancing secular democracy -- secular democracy in a predominantly Muslim society. In that sense Turkey is a unique country. Unique as a European country and as a partially Middle Eastern country, all at the same time.” From the U.S. vantage point, he said, Turkey has strategic value in showing Muslim-majority countries that democratic reforms are possible and in inspiring Muslim populations in European countries that a Muslim country can engage with Europe in economics, politics and culture “while maintaining a respect for cultural differences.”

Turkey's EU Aspirations Can Inspire Muslims, U.S.'s Bryza Says (Feb 7, 2006); Bryza video and transcript

2005: U.S. Official Suggests Turkey Adopt Global Perspective (Jun 9, 2005)

2004: U.S. Hails EU Decision to Begin Accession Talks with Turkey (Dec 17, 2004) | Turkey's Future Is Bright, Says State's Grossman (Dec 10, 2004) | Political Counselor Scott on Turkey and the EU (Nov 18, 2004)

2002: Fleischer on Bush's Call To Denmark's Rasmussen on Turkey (Dec 11, 2002) | Turkey Moves Closer to West With Human Rights Reforms (Dec 3, 2002)