Reyhan Şenay- On the occasion of the 247th Independence Day of the USA, Ankara Embassy and Ege Free Zone Founder and Operator A.Ş. (ESBAŞ) Board of Directors hosted a reception. The reception held in the garden of Space Camp Turkey was attended by US Ambassador to Ankara Jeffry Flake, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tunç Soyer, ESBAŞ Chairman of the Board Mary Mills Tuncer, heads of chambers and business people.

Speaking at the reception held in Izmir for the 247th Independence Day of the United States of America (USA), US Ambassador to Ankara Jeffry Flake said, "This week, Turkey added Sweden to its ranks, making NATO stronger than ever. Now, Turkish-American cooperation has gone far beyond security issues". Stating that Turkey, which is celebrating its centennial, continues to be a critical partner of the USA and a strong actor on the world stage, Ambassador Flake said, "Turkey's support for Ukraine's sovereignty is another example of its global role. No other country has applied to the Montreux Convention. No other country could have contained the conflict or successfully facilitated the Black Sea Grain Initiative's delivery of much-needed food to global markets. Just this week, Turkey added Sweden to its ranks, making NATO stronger than ever before. In just an hour I am pleased to report that first of all, our two Presidents came together and discussed again to strengthen the ties between us. Now, Turkish-American cooperation has gone far beyond security issues.”

Strong ties

US Ambassador to Ankara Jeffry Flake said trade between two countries has exceeded 34 billion in 2022 which means an increase of 22 percent compared to the previous year. "Our trade has a balanced and mutually beneficial structure, and the two countries want to further strengthen our already strong commercial ties by furthering this success."

1.8 million tourists

More than 1.8 million Americans are expected to visit Türkiye this year added Ambassador Flake also said he is excited for the next century of partnership between two nations. Remembering the one million Americans visited Türkiye, including one intrepid tourist pretending to be James Bond on top of the Grand Bazaar last year.