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U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack said the U.S.-Türkiye alliance has never been stronger following a closed-door meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday. Erdogan received Barrack, U.S. Congressman Darrell Issa and his wife at the presidential complex in Ankara.
Barrack later wrote on X that he was honored to meet Erdogan at Bestepe, pointing to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and the upcoming centenary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and the United States.
"Türkiye and the U.S. share deep bonds—as NATO Allies, economic partners, and friends who have stood together through decades of shared history," Barrack said. "Today's discussion reaffirmed our shared commitment to regional security, economic cooperation, and the enduring partnership between our two nations."
The remarks came as the U.S. Embassy in Ankara hosted a reception to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
Türkiye’s Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and U.S. Syria and Iraq Special Representative Tom Barrack, U.S. Congressman Darrell Issa and other guests attended the reception.
Speaking at the reception, Barrack described the occasion as an emotional moment and expressed gratitude and respect toward Türkiye. "As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, we are doing so with excitement, while also being grateful and thankful, and with tremendous respect for Türkiye," Barrack said.
He also reflected on his family's roots, saying the event marked both U.S. independence and freedom and the ancestors who came to America from the region.
"Both U.S. independence and freedom are being celebrated, and at the same time we are also celebrating our ancestors who came from this part of the world. My ancestors came from Lebanon," he remarked.
Barrack recalled that his grandparents were identified as Turkish when they went to the United States and noted that his grandfather's nickname was "Turk."
Barrack also pointed to what he described as chaos around the world and Türkiye's position in a difficult region, saying the country has managed to navigate those challenges and adapt.
"Türkiye, the United States and our neighbors, all of us coming together, can create a magical cooperation and truly make a new beginning," Barrack emphasized.
Issa also highlighted his family's roots in the region and described the United States as a country made up of people from around the world. "The idea of freedom brings us together, and we want to spread this throughout the world," Issa said.
Barrack has served as U.S. ambassador to Türkiye since May 2025, when he began his diplomatic tenure after being confirmed by the Senate the previous month.
He later took on the role of special presidential envoy for Syria and, in May 2026, was given responsibility for Syria and Iraq while continuing to serve as ambassador to Türkiye.
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