Lebanese & Turkish Officials in U.S. Sign Historic Memorandum of Mutual Cooperation, Congressman Mike Rogers (R-MI) Attends Ceremony & Keynotes Event

(USA)...Lebanese and Turkish officials in the United States appeared together at a ceremony tonight, that included the formal signing of an historic Memorandum of Mutual Cooperation during an event commemorating 85th Anniversary of the proclamation leading to the formation of the Republic of Turkey by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk - when on October 29, 1923, the Turkish constitution was amended and Turkey became a republic, formally declaring the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. The document pictured below was signed by Councilman John Akouri, President & CEO of the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce and Didem Şeyhoğlu, President of the Turkish American Cultural Association of Michigan (TACAM) and reads as follows:

Presenting a framework for cooperation while cementing the future relationship between our two organizations. The signatories of the Memorandum recognize the importance of their mutual cooperation, regular information exchange and creation of wider cultural and economic ties, as well as active involvement of the national leadership of the Lebanese and Turkish communities in the overall strategic alliance. Cultural cooperation will act as a priority in our bilateral relationship to ensure the Memorandum is effective and serves the shared interest of our communities to jointly develop 21st century strategies to achieve our common goals. Lebanon & Turkey enjoy a strengthening relationship in so many fields important to the future of our people – in the areas of commerce, the environment and healthcare, and, perhaps most significantly for the future of our young people, in higher education.

The event featured Lebanese and Turkish flags, music and food and included a toast to the Memorandum with the traditional national drink of Turkey known as Raki (rah-KUH), a clear brandy made from grapes and raisins, flavored with with choice anise, twice distilled and aged for months in oak barrels to give it a smooth taste. In addition to Akouri, also in attendance at the Cumhuriyet Bayramı celebration were US Representative Mike Rogers, Mexican Consul General Vicente Sanchez-Ventura, and a special Turkish Folk Dance Performance by TACA Chicago Folklore Team. Back by popular demand providing entertainment for the evening was Dr. İlhan Sami Özülü who is currently celebrating his 38th year as a professional musician, and 42 years in music since he began his studies at Istanbul Municipal Conservatory of Music. Born and raised in İstanbul, he plays guitar, violin, viola and keyboards, and entertained the guests with lively music and patriotic song. A special Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Akouri for outstanding performance and lasting contributions to TACAM. This past summer, thousands of festival-goers attending the second annual LEBFEST! were treated to a cultural display organized by TACAM and its leadership.