Missouri honors Turks with goodwill resolution

01 May 2011, Sunday / KERİM BALCI, MISSOURI

A small but influential group people within the Turkish community in Missouri was honored last week with a standing ovation and a goodwill resolution passed by the House of Representatives of the State of Missouri, recognizing both the local Turkish community and their contribution to the US and the friendly relations with Turkey.

Mehmet Salih Erdoğan and İsmail Özgün, Justice and Development Party (AK Party) deputies from Denizli and Balıkesir, were present during the proceedings. The two deputies were introduced by Speaker of the House Steven Tilley and were applauded in recognition of the vigorous efforts and activities organized and promoted by the Niagara Foundation, an interfaith dialogue organization founded by Turkish citizens active in the Midwestern states of the US, the Turkish American Society of Missouri (TASOM), and the Chicago-based Turkish American Federation of Midwest, an umbrella organization of Turkish organizations in Midwestern states. After the passing of the goodwill resolution in the House of Representatives, the Turkish NGOs hosted the fourth Annual Intercultural Reception at the State Capitol in Jefferson City, promoting Turkish cuisine, culture and Turkey’s historical and sightseeing locations.

The reception was held on April 20, the same day the state’s General Assembly met to discuss the resolution recognizing the contribution of Turkish-Americans to the state and to the US.

The Turkish delegation was also hosted by State Senator Joseph Keaveny in his office where the Turkish deputies were briefed about the workings of the Senate. State representatives also informed the Turkish deputies about recent developments in Missouri trade laws expected to boost the state’s foreign trade ties. The delegation was then received by the Senate majority leader, State Senator Tom Dempsey, for a conference about the similarities and differences between the legislative systems of the two governments. The American politician discussed global issues faced by both countries with the Turkish deputies and suggested that there should be more cooperation not only between Turkey and the US, but also between individual US states and Turkish provinces.

Accompanied by members of the local Turkish community, the Turkish deputies also visited State Senator Eric Schmitt and State Senator Bill Stouffer. Stouffer hosted a lunch in honor of the Turkish delegation. The group then met with House International Trade and Job Creation Committee Chairman Representative Jerry Nolte in his office, where participants exchanged ideas to increase trade between Turkey and the state of Missouri. According to Nolte, the state of Missouri exported about $60 million in goods to Turkey last year.

TASOM and the Turkish American Federation of Midwest are organizing their annual Spring Festival in St. Louis Forest Park on May 7-8. The accomplishments of the handful Turks living in Missouri are evidence of the fact that it is not the numbers that make a difference, but will and determination.

Source: Today's Zaman.
Link: http://www.todayszaman.com/news-242454-missouri-honors-turks-with-goodwill-resolution.html.