Understanding Turkey's role as a stabilizer amidst turmoil in the Middle East was a major focus of Turkish Ambassador O. Faruk Logoglu's lecture Wednesday, Nov. 13 at BYU.

Logoglu spoke at an international forum series for the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies, where he explained how the nation of Turkey brings balance to both the Eastern and Western worlds.

"Turkey is located in a difficult neighborhood," said Logoglu. "It is a country that is very strategically situated in what may be called the epicenter of all the major regional conflicts that afflict the international community at the present time."

Logoglu said the nation of Turkey is important to the region because its character serves as a stabilizing force to both the East and the West.

"What makes Turkey truly unique is that it brings together peace and rest to the Orient and the Occident," said Logoglu.

Despite Turkey's influence of peace on the surrounding region, Logoglu said Turkey is a country that is no stranger to terrorism.

"On Sept. 11 the United States was faced with a devastating circumstance," said Logoglu. "We in Turkey know how you felt."

After the events surrounding Sept. 11, Logoglu said the nation of Turkey quickly responded by giving the United States its support.

"We are with you and will be with you," said Logoglu. "We have made our best efforts to be with you on the war on Terrorism."

Logoglu said Turkey was the first Muslim nation to send troops to Afghanistan. He also said Turkey encouraged the United States to quickly put Afghan students back into schools as one of the first acts to fight against terrorism.

Logoglu said the United States responded by printing thousands of schoolbooks for the children of Afghanistan.

Logoglu said the relationship between the United States and Turkey is based on a strategic partnership of cooperation.

"Our relationship can be described in three ways: friendship, alliance and strategic partnership," said Logoglu.

Logoglu said the United States and Turkey cooperate on international issues and regional conflicts -especially those issues that deal with peace in the Middle East.

"We are not only with the United States on negative issues, but we are partners when it comes to oil and gas distribution," said Logoglu. "Our relationship has been strengthened since we joined NATO."

Logoglu said the United States and Turkey has such a strong relationship because of shared values and interests. Some of those interests include democracy, human rights and commitment to promote private enterprise.

Logoglu said Turkey is currently taking big steps to improve its political and social standards so it can become part of the European Union.

Logoglu commended BYU for its ability to maintain peaceful relations on a campus where there are students from over 100 nations with numerous inter-cultural differences.

"I have no doubt about the quality of education you are getting here," said Logoglu. "I am most encouraged by the fact that your football team is improving its performance."

Copyright Brigham Young University 13 Nov 2002