The challenges within Turkey’s external relations are many and serious, and in various ways are closely connected to American interests and policies: the place of Kurds within the region, the Russian role in Syria, migration agreements with Europe on refugees from Syria, Iran’s regional ambitions, the future of Assad, Turkey’s position on Muslim fundamentalism internally and beyond, her role of partner in NATO, ambition for E.U. membership, positioning on the Saudi-Iranian clash over regional preeminence; and most recently and dramatically, releasing tapes of activity within the Saudi Arabian consulate concerning the alleged murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. There is so much to be untangled. In this effort, we are pleased and honored to be joined by the authoritative Serdar Kılıç, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the United States.

Ambassador Kılıç is a distinguished veteran of Turkey’s Foreign Service, having served for well over three decades. He became Ambassador to the United States in 2014 following ambassadorships to Japan and Lebanon.  In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he has been Deputy General Director, led the Deputy General Directorate of NATO and Euro-Atlantic and Defense Affairs, headed the department of the Balkans and Central Europe; and led the Gulf and Muslim Countries Department.  Early career postings were with the Turkish delegations to NATO, to Kuwait, and to Los Angeles.

The issues of Turkey’s foreign affairs are of deep interest to the United States; and Ambassador Kılıç’s knowledge and understanding of them is rooted in practical experience.

It is an honor and great pleasure to welcome His Excellency Serdar Kılıç to the Council.