Luncheon with H.E. John R. Bass,
Ambassador of the United States to Turkey
January 28, 2016

On January 28, 2016, H.E. John R. Bass, Ambassador of the United States to Turkey, addressed GRF members and a group of GRF Community members at a luncheon on the Turkey-US relations, which he deemed vital and indispensable, albeit gruelling and tense at times. In his speech, Ambassador Bass first enumerated the geopolitical, cultural and historical foundations on which the Turkey-US relations lie. Noting that these foundations have transformed to some extent over the years, Ambassador Bass nevertheless ensured that they have neither been ruptured, nor lost their importance. He then touched upon the possible risks that could harm the bilateral relationship in the near future, and pointed at the importance of collaboration, communication and humbleness for strengthening it. Following his speech, Ambassador Bass answered the participants’ questions on the US-Turkish relations and the Middle East.