WASHINGTON - Egemen Bagis, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's foreign policy adviser and Justice & Development Party (AKP) deputy, met Congress members and representatives of Turkish community in Washington on Wednesday.
Bagis, who is currently in Washington to attend the 25th annual conference of American-Turkish Council and Turkish-U.S. Business Council, held meetings with Ed Whitfield and Robert Wexler, founders of Turkish Friendship Group in U.S. Congress, as well as officials of Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA).
Speaking to A.A regarding his meetings in Washington, Bagis said, ''we have discussed Turkish-U.S. relations, increasing trade with Iraq and Afghanistan as well as allegations of so-called Armenian genocide in the meetings.''
''While April 24th (the date Armenians accepted as anniversary of so-called genocide) is getting closer, U.S. Congress' support to Turkey continues. There is no negative atmosphere,'' he noted.
''I explained Turkey's efforts to settle stability in Iraq. After the United States, Turkey is the second country with the highest number of losses (truck drivers, engineers and workers) in Iraq. Turkey exerted great efforts to convince Iraqi Sunnites to take part in elections in Iraq. I also conveyed that bases in Turkey are used for soldier rotation, and Turkey sent humanitarian aid to Iraq. Congress members told me that they appreciated Turkey's friendship,'' said Bagis.
''U.S. officials asked me about the invitation of Hamas delegation to Turkey. The visit of Hamas delegation should be considered as the continuation of the will which brought together the foreign ministers of Israel and Pakistan, and which supported participation of Sunnite leaders in elections in Iraq. Turkey has exerted and will exert every type of effort to prevent death of innocent people in the region. International community was aware of Hamas' participation in elections, and Hamas won the elections. After it was elected, Turkey directly gave messages to Hamas which could not be given by other countries. This is a part of our geographical and historical responsibility,'' said Bagis.