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CLINTON HIGHLIGHTS TURKEY'S GROWING ECONOMIC LEADERSHIP
by Suzanne Presto
Voice of America News
October 31, 2011
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton emphasized Turkey's growing role
in the Middle East and beyond in remarks at the opening dinner of the
2011 Annual Conference on U.S.-Turkey Relations. The event, hosted
by the American-Turkish Council, was held at The Ritz-Carlton hotel
in Washington on Monday night.
Ahead of the secretary of state's visit to Istanbul on Wednesday,
Clinton stood at a podium before the U.S. and Turkish flags, and
highlighted Turkey's growing economic leadership.
"And when I talk with Turks - from students to entrepreneurs to
government officials - I see a confidence and optimism, and it is
for a good reason," said Clinton. "Turkey can be proud that it has
become the 17th largest economy in the world, with ambitions to reach
the top 10 in the coming years. This story - sometimes called 'the
Turkish Miracle' - is well known. But its strategic implications are
perhaps less well understood."
Clinton emphasized four main points.
"First, that a strong U.S.-Turkey relationship has contributed to
Turkish prosperity," she said. "That, in turn, Turkey's economic
growth should further strengthen our partnership. That for Turkey
to take full advantage of its new opportunities, it will have to
consolidate democratic progress at home, and peace and stability in
its neighborhood. And, finally, that Turkey's economic leadership
can be a powerful force for progress across the region."
Even as Clinton highlighted Turkish economic successes, she said
that the nation must work to further empower women and to address
the concerns of ethnic minority groups.
"A vibrant economy depends upon the free exchange of ideas, the free
flow of information and the rule of law," said Clinton. "Strengthening
due process, cracking down on corruption, helps any country grow
more rapidly. And also, protecting a free and independent media,
which plays a role that is very important."
The secretary of state said the United States has been concerned
by the deterioration of relations between Turkey and Israel. And
she urged both countries to work on improving ties. She also noted
tensions between Turkey and Cyprus, saying the parties need to work
toward a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. Clinton also urged Turkey
to continue to work toward normalizing ties with Armenia.
Clinton said Turkey's growing economic leadership has the potential
to support positive changes far beyond its borders.
"Turkey sends more than a quarter of its exports to nations in the
Middle East and North Africa. Its companies are therefore investing
heavily across the region," she said. "Turkish businesses are helping
to rebuild Iraq. They are one of the largest sources of foreign direct
investment in Egypt. And Turkish planes have already resumed flights to
Libya. Along with political change and reform must come economic reform
in this region. To succeed, the Arab political awakening must also be
an economic awakening. [U.S.] President [Barack] Obama has outlined
a comprehensive economic agenda to support the democratic transitions
now underway, and Turkey is a valuable partner in this effort."
In the course of her speech, Clinton again offered condolences to the
Turkish people, following the recent earthquake there as well as for
a Kurdish Workers' Party attack less than two weeks ago that killed
24 Turkish soldiers.
by Suzanne Presto
Voice of America News
October 31, 2011
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton emphasized Turkey's growing role
in the Middle East and beyond in remarks at the opening dinner of the
2011 Annual Conference on U.S.-Turkey Relations. The event, hosted
by the American-Turkish Council, was held at The Ritz-Carlton hotel
in Washington on Monday night.
Ahead of the secretary of state's visit to Istanbul on Wednesday,
Clinton stood at a podium before the U.S. and Turkish flags, and
highlighted Turkey's growing economic leadership.
"And when I talk with Turks - from students to entrepreneurs to
government officials - I see a confidence and optimism, and it is
for a good reason," said Clinton. "Turkey can be proud that it has
become the 17th largest economy in the world, with ambitions to reach
the top 10 in the coming years. This story - sometimes called 'the
Turkish Miracle' - is well known. But its strategic implications are
perhaps less well understood."
Clinton emphasized four main points.
"First, that a strong U.S.-Turkey relationship has contributed to
Turkish prosperity," she said. "That, in turn, Turkey's economic
growth should further strengthen our partnership. That for Turkey
to take full advantage of its new opportunities, it will have to
consolidate democratic progress at home, and peace and stability in
its neighborhood. And, finally, that Turkey's economic leadership
can be a powerful force for progress across the region."
Even as Clinton highlighted Turkish economic successes, she said
that the nation must work to further empower women and to address
the concerns of ethnic minority groups.
"A vibrant economy depends upon the free exchange of ideas, the free
flow of information and the rule of law," said Clinton. "Strengthening
due process, cracking down on corruption, helps any country grow
more rapidly. And also, protecting a free and independent media,
which plays a role that is very important."
The secretary of state said the United States has been concerned
by the deterioration of relations between Turkey and Israel. And
she urged both countries to work on improving ties. She also noted
tensions between Turkey and Cyprus, saying the parties need to work
toward a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. Clinton also urged Turkey
to continue to work toward normalizing ties with Armenia.
Clinton said Turkey's growing economic leadership has the potential
to support positive changes far beyond its borders.
"Turkey sends more than a quarter of its exports to nations in the
Middle East and North Africa. Its companies are therefore investing
heavily across the region," she said. "Turkish businesses are helping
to rebuild Iraq. They are one of the largest sources of foreign direct
investment in Egypt. And Turkish planes have already resumed flights to
Libya. Along with political change and reform must come economic reform
in this region. To succeed, the Arab political awakening must also be
an economic awakening. [U.S.] President [Barack] Obama has outlined
a comprehensive economic agenda to support the democratic transitions
now underway, and Turkey is a valuable partner in this effort."
In the course of her speech, Clinton again offered condolences to the
Turkish people, following the recent earthquake there as well as for
a Kurdish Workers' Party attack less than two weeks ago that killed
24 Turkish soldiers.