A counterpart visit the week of May 7 brought the Chief of the Turkish General Staff, General Necdet Ozel, to Washington as the guest of General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As a complement to these meetings, the American-Turkish Council Defense and Security Affairs Committee held a luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City in honor of General Necdet Ozel. Former National Security Advisor, General James L. Jones hosted the event on behalf of ATC’s Chairman Richard L. Armitage, who was overseas.
A counterpart visit the week of May 7 brought the Chief of the Turkish General Staff, General Necdet Ozel, to Washington as the guest of General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As a complement to these meetings, the American-Turkish Council Defense and Security Affairs Committee held a luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City in honor of General Necdet Ozel. Former National Security Advisor, General James L. Jones hosted the event on behalf of ATC’s Chairman Richard L. Armitage, who was overseas.
Members of the Turkish and the U.S. delegations, ATC Corporate Members, and other guests attended. After welcoming remarks by ATC’s President and CEO, Ambassador James Holmes, General Jones introduced General Ozel, and spoke of his decade-long personal relations with Turkey’s military, beginning with Operation Provide Comfort in 1992. General Ozel spoke of the continuing value of a strong Turkish-U.S. relationship and the positive work of the ATC on behalf of both a strong Turkish military and a strong, cooperative relationship between Turkey’s defense industries and American defense companies.
Below is a translation of General Ozel’s remarks.
“General Jones, Ambassador Holmes, respected American-Turkish Council members, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I thank you for your considerate invitation and excellent organization. It gives me great pleasure to address this distinguished group.
I do not want to limit my appreciation only to this friendly atmosphere and luncheon.
I want also to thank and congratulate the American-Turkish Council’s professional work, and its contributions to the military relations of the two countries.
Turkey and the USA are two friends and allies that work together for world peace and well-being.
The recent political and military support given to us by the USA, especially in fighting terror, is much appreciated – and positively received by the Turkish public.
If we look at the issues of world peace and security, it is clear that the relations between the US and Turkey must be brought to an even better place. I believe world peace will greatly benefit from this relationship. I hope that my visit will further enhance the relationship as well.
The American-Turkish Council is a distinguished group that continues its active and dynamic role on behalf of the strategic relationship between Turkey and the USA. It does this work with great altruism.
Your efforts have not only helped the relations and collaboration between our two countries, they have also supported joint interests, regional security and, indirectly, supported world peace.
Looking ahead, I am confident your important efforts will continue in the same manner.
I also want to say that the Conference you plan and organize in the most professional manner every year is also very effective.
Our relations with the United States are based on our joint values and vision.
What can we do to make the “Model Partnership” more productive and fruitful operationally? This is a question we must ask ourselves; in fact I believe that it is a vital question.
Looking at the region in which Turkey is located, it is evident that a strong armed forces and strong defense industry are necessary. With such a foundation, it will be easier to meet our need for modernization.
I believe, by creating the synergies through common understanding, we will accomplish many tasks together.
ATC’s contributions have enabled the Turkish Armed Forces to fulfill their US-based needs and facilitated strong communications and relations between the Turkish Defense Industry and US defense companies earning our praise and approval."