"Turkish-Israeli Relations"
Good morning.
I certainly appreciate your warm welcome as well as this opportunity to briefly share with you some thoughts on a subject which I believe deserves increasing attention and recognition--namely, the importance of Turkish-Israeli relations. As members of the Atlanta Jewish Federation and the American Jewish Committee, I believe all of you share my interest in this topic.
Indeed, in our corner of the world, where the political, economic and social landscape has been radically redefined and dramatically altered, the relations between the peoples and nations of Turkey and Israel have taken on an even greater significance. We espouse common values that have cemented a special bond between us. United by a historical legacy of mutual understanding and respect, this bond has evolved to encompass ever-expanding relations between modern Turkey and Israel.
The Turkish and Jewish peoples have long accepted each other in a spirit of tolerance, openness and good-will. Consider the fact that it was the Ottoman Empire which welcomed the Sephardic Jews fleeing Spain over five hundred years ago. Indeed, a number of European Jews, escaping persecution in their native countries, settled in the Ottoman Empire. Over fifty years ago, it was Turkey who embraced a large number of Jews--particularly gifted academicians, scholars and scientists--fleeing the unimaginable horrors of the Second World War. In both instances, they found refuge among the Turks and came to greatly contribute to the social, political, economic and cultural fabric of their adopted societies. Today, the Jewish community in Turkey numbers around 26,000 individuals.
Turkey immediately recognized Israel at its founding in 1948 and has since enjoyed uninterrupted diplomatic relations with the country. As the only two contemporary democracies in a region otherwise devoid of democratic traditions, Turkey and Israel have a special, unique, connection and responsibility. Indeed, when then Prime Minister Tansu Ciller and the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin met in Israel in 1994, during the first ever visit by a Turkish prime minister to the Jewish state, they termed the relationship between their two countries "strategic" and vital for the cultivation of a "New Middle East." This aptly characterizes the potential and promise of the Turkish-Israeli relationship. Indeed, on numerous fronts, Turkey and Israel continue to pursue ways to diversify their relations. Allow me to illustrate this point:
The two nations have explored a wide-ranging set of ideas for deepening their economic partnership. In fact, an agreement for an Israeli-Turkish Free Trade Zone has been decided on in principle and the details are being discussed. Bilateral economic and commercial cooperation between Turkey and Israel, which may include third nations, will expand to examine projects in the fields of military technology, commercial satellites, telecommunications, cargo transport, electricity and water.
Clearly, Turkish-Israeli relations are now in the process of a metamorphosis. This suggests a number of implications. The Turkish-Israeli partnership might very well become the very "core" around which comprehensive political and economic regional cooperation might center and revolve. This can surely prove beneficial and positive for cementing peace throughout the entire Middle East. It not only holds up two individual models of secular democratic liberalization at work, but also demonstrates that their mutual collaboration and cooperation furthers their own respective domestic interests as well as the cause of regional and international stability, prosperity and peace.
Consider the fact that Turkey and Israel are the only two nations in the region which have vigorously pursued privatization, while Egypt and Jordan continue to experiment with this. As established, liberal democracies with sound infrastructures and open economies, Turkey and Israel increasingly find themselves at the forefront of the effort to build an intricate web of economic cooperation, which serves as the principal prerequisite for lasting peace and stability throughout the region.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As we discuss the nature of Turkish-Israeli relations, and their enormous potential for further expansion and development, it is equally important that I clarify one important point. There has been much speculation about recent political developments in Turkey and about Turkey's gas deal with Iran. Some use the gas deal to suggest that Turkey is becoming "soft" on terrorism. Both the Turks and Israelis understand first-hand and most tragically the evils of terrorism and nothing, I repeat, nothing will deter Turkey from continuing its consistent and persistent fight against the menace of regional and international terrorism. We have a fundamental duty to protect our citizens from the scourge of terrorism and we are committed to the international fight against this plague of terror. We will continue to stand firm against any terrorist threat or action wherever it may come from.
In this context, let me stress that Turkey's relations with Iran stem, therefore, from purely economic considerations. Under the present circumstances, the purchase of gas from Iran is the most rational and economic means for Turkey to meet its rapidly increasing energy needs. The deal at hand is not new but has been in the works for some time now--almost two decades. It does not constitute a Turkish investment in Iranian infrastructure. Rather, it is a trade deal--pure and simple. It does not violate US laws as some suggest; but, nevertheless, as a sovereign and independent nation, Turkey has an obligation to act in its own best interests.
Turkey's secular and democratic orientation remains as firm as ever. Turkish democracy is alive and well. The alarmist rhetoric concerning Prime Minister Erbakan's rise to power is unfounded, especially if one stops to think that he has been in power before. While we may not always be happy with the peoples' choices, they remain the voice of a dynamic democracy at work and must ultimately be respected.
Turkey, in short, remains firmly committed to its Western orientation and international obligations; but, simultaneously, we cannot ignore our geographic destiny nor the realities of our immediate neighborhood. Turkey has the potential to serve as an example of secularism, democracy and modernity to its neighbors in the region. We can serve as the bridge between East and West. Such potential multiplies, moreover, when we consider what Turkey and Israel together can do in this regard--in creating a powerful web of mutually beneficial, multi-faceted cooperation.
Clearly, Turkish-Israeli relations are of utmost significance because of the very potential they promise. Both countries, as well as the peace and stability of an entire region, stand to benefit.
Thank you very much.