Statements by U.S. Officials

Senator Joe Biden: We are very happy to be here today. We briefed the Prime Minister and the President on our trip to Pakistan and to Afghanistan. As you know, President Gul has played an active role in supporting Pakistan’s democratization. It’s clear that the US and Turkey have common interests in the region.

Senator John Kerry: Let me say "thank you" on behalf of the American people for the relationship that we enjoy with Turkey today and for the help the Turkish people and the Turkish government is providing in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Your President and your Prime Minister played a very important role in helping the elections in Pakistan move forward in a constructive way. Also, they assisted both President Karzai and President Musharraf to come together to deal with the problems between their borders. The relationship between Turkey and the U.S. has enormous strategic importance. We look forward to continuing to work on issues of mutual agreement. And we thank you for that participation and we look forward to a continued strong relationship.

Senator Chuck Hagel: The Turkish-American relationship has been indispensable relationship since World War II. It has had astounding effect not on just this region but the world. This relationship has been strong for over 60 years. And as we confront the new challenges of the 21st century, this relationship, the Turkish-American relationship, will play an even bigger role in dealing with the great issues of our time.