Türkiye Caucus Co-Chair Statement Celebrating National Day

October 26, 2026 Press Release Washington, DC – Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Türkiye Relations and Turkish Americans, issued the following statement: “Congratulations to the people of Türkiye and Turkish Americans on this 103rd commemoration of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye. “Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founded the Turkish Republic in 1923, introducing sweeping social and political reforms that laid the foundation for modern Türkiye. Today, as a critical bridge between Europe and the Middle East, Türkiye plays an indispensable role in maintaining regional balance and addressing complex geopolitical dynamics across Eurasia and the Mediterranean. “As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Türkiye Relations and Turkish Americans, we recognize Türkiye’s strategic contributions to transatlantic security and diplomacy. From hosting the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara to aiding conflict de-escalation, maritime security, and humanitarian efforts across the region, Türkiye continues to serve as a pivotal partner in global peacebuilding. “This year, as we also celebrate 74 years of Türkiye’s NATO membership, we honor its crucial role on the alliance’s southeastern flank. Holding the second-largest military force in NATO, Türkiye remains central to collective defense, defense technology collaboration, and regional defense integration. “On the eve of the centennial of the establishment of diplomatic relations between United States and Türkiye that will be celebrated in 2027, we congratulate the Turkish people and Turkish Americans on Republic Day 2026 and look forward to deepening the strategic, economic, and cultural bonds between our two nations.” # # # Issues : Foreign Affairs National Security