Ambassador's remarks and public events

Remarks by Ambassador Ross Wilson
Opening of the Turkish American Association in Cayyolu

Cayyolu, Ankara, Turkey
April 27, 2007

President Bucukoglu, members of the Turkish American Association Board, Mr. and Mrs. Ceki, ladies and gentlemen. It is a real pleasure for me to be here at this centre and to be here in Çayyolu, which is for me the first time I have been here, a new part of the town. I am delighted to be here to open this branch of the Turkish American Association. This is the second franchise that I have opened. I had the opportunity to do this in Konya in last December as well.

As President Buçukoglu noted, since 1951, the Turkish American Association has distinguished itself in promoting understanding and good relations among Turkish and American citizens. It’s been the foundation upon which American studies programs have been built and now flourish at a number of Turkish universities.

This organization has provided quality English language instruction to thousands, maybe tens of thousands of Turkish citizens.  Americans have also been able to learn Turkish. As I’ve said earlier, I need to come back myself.

We, who represent the US government here are proud of our association with the Turkish American Association and we are proud of the support we provide to the English language education here, in particular through the English language fellows that have been a staple of our activities with TAA for a number of years.

I am delighted that the Board of TAA has taken the decision to open these franchises, especially to open the franchise here in Çayyolu, and I think soon to come the additional franchises that I have already been invited to at Bahçelievler and Denizli. I will look forward to that. I want to congratulate the TAA for all that it does and congratulate the franchise owners.  It is an honor for me to be part of this expansion of TAA’s activities.

I look forward to seeing what is inside. Thank you all very much for coming out here and for your support to TAA and US and Turkey friendship.