Obama calls for deeper Turkish-US partnership

US President Barack Obama yesterday sent a congratulatory message to President Abdullah Gul on the 86th anniversary of the Turkish Republic calling for a deepening of the two countries' partnership to help resolve global issues. "On behalf of the American people, I extend my warmest congratulations to you and the citizens of Turkey on Oct. 29, the 86th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as a modern, democratic and secular state," Obama said in the message, as posted on the US Embassy in Ankara's website. "More than 50 years ago, the United States and Turkey began a partnership that is based on shared values, a common vision and mutual respect. Through this partnership we have worked to resolve conflicts that span the globe. It is my firm belief that Turkey and the United States should continue to deepen this partnership to promote peace and prosperity around the world. On this important date, I offer my congratulations and my appreciation for the friendship and continued partnership between our two nations." In related news, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to pay a working visit to Washington at Obama's invitation in December. "Premier Erdogan and President Obama will exchange views on relations between their countries, which are close allies and strategic partners, as well as discuss regional and global issues important to both countries," said the Prime Ministry Press Center. In other news, Assistant US Secretary Of State Jeffrey Feltman yesterday said that Turkey is playing an increasingly positive and powerful role in the Middle East, citing Turkey's contributions to Iraq's stability and its earlier mediation between Syria and Israel as proof of this.