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The Turkish American Community underlines the vitality of US-Turkey relations and calls for continued dialogue to overcome current impasse.
We, the representatives of the Turkish American Community, are deeply concerned and saddened by the recent developments in US-Turkey relations. We are particularly troubled by the recent decision of the U.S. Administration to increase steel and aluminum tariffs levied against Turkey which, we believe, will serve neither American nor Turkish interests. We, therefore, ask the US Administration to re-evaluate its decision.
The US and Turkey, as NATO allies, share a common vision of promoting peace, democracy and prosperity and strived for years together for this purpose in different parts of the world. Their relations made best sense in challenging times. This is certainly one of these times.
Turkish Americans, through their significant contributions in the economic, social and cultural spheres of life, have historically been a viable bridge for better relations between the US and Turkey. We express our genuine belief that preserving good relations between Turkey and the US is vital not only for pursuing shared goals but for the realization of a better future for both Americans and Turks.
Turkish Americans believe that the discourse of threat and escalation of the trade war only exacerbate the situation and dim the prospect of a durable resolution of the issues at hand. We call for prudence and a refocus on long term interests. We remind that a lasting solution requires continued dialogue based on the principles of mutual respect and the rule of law.
The hard gained solidarity and friendship between US and Turkey cannot and should not be sacrificed for short-term objectives.
History tells us that political hardships can be
overcome by time. Yet it would be much more difficult to restore economic ties once the momentum and the spirit of cooperation is lost.
On behalf of the Turkish-American Community
Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB USA)
Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK)
Turkey-U.S. Business Council (TAIK)
Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association (MUSIAD USA)
Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC)
Nimeks Organics
The Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA DC)
Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TACCI)
Turkish Anti-Defamation Alliance (TADA)
Turkish Heritage Organization (THO)
