Excerpts from General Ilker Basbug’s acceptance speech as translated by the ATC: 

During his first speech to the nation, newly appointed Chief of the Turkish Armed Forces General Ilker Basbug, spoke of Turkey’s relations in the region and the importance Turkey’s military places on bilateral relations with their neighbors and allies.  He specifically pointed to relations between the Turkish Armed Forces and the US Armed Forces.  General Basbug said, “Since 2007 Turkish Armed Forces have been implementing effective air and land operations against the terrorist groups located in the north of Iraq, and will continue to do so.  Before, during and following the implementation of these operations, Turkish Armed Forces and the United States Armed Forces have been working in cooperation and coordination.  This communication is at an excellent level.  For this reason, one of our important jobs is to continue to protect this cooperation.   

Turkish-American relations have been built upon common values; it has strong roots and has a history.  This relationship today is more important than ever for both countries.  Turkey’s relations with the United States are too wide and detailed to be tied to one topic.”