“On behalf of the American people, I extend my warmest congratulations to you and the citizens of Turkey on Oct. 29, the 86th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as a modern, democratic and secular state,” Obama said in the message, which was published on the Web page of the US Embassy in Ankara.
“More than 50 years ago, the United States and Turkey began a partnership that is based on shared values, a common vision and mutual respect. Through this partnership we have worked to resolve conflicts that span the globe. It is my firm belief that Turkey and the United States should continue to deepen this partnership to promote peace and prosperity around the world,” Obama said. “On this important date, I offer my congratulations and my appreciation for the friendship and continued partnership between our two nations,” he concluded.
In early December, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to pay a working visit to Washington upon Obama’s invitation. The visit was originally scheduled to begin in late October and would have coincided with Republic Day.
Some members of opposition parties and a number of columnists had criticized the scheduling of Erdoğan’s visit to the US capital on the 86th anniversary of the Turkish Republic -- which was established on Oct. 29, 1923 -- suggesting that it was not appropriate for the prime minister to be at the White House on that particular date.
Later, the date of the visit was rescheduled by US and Turkish officials upon Erdoğan’s request. It is now expected to take place on Dec. 7.
