Good evening Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear Chairpersons of the Aegean Exporters’ Unions,
Distinguished guests,

It is a great pleasure for me to be here with you this evening on the occasion of this marvelous Turkish Tastes event. I would like to thank you all for joining us and for your interest in Turkish cuisine and culture.

I also have the pleasure to speak about the richness, diversity, and global significance of Turkish cuisine — a culinary tradition shaped by geography, history, migration, trade, and cultural exchange over hundreds of years.

Before my remarks on Turkish Tastes, I would like to touch upon the relations between our countries very briefly. As we all know, Türkiye and the United States of America have a long-standing alliance. This deep-rooted partnership has made important contributions to the peace and stability of the Euro-Atlantic geography. Today, relations between Türkiye and the USA have diversified and intensified. Indeed, both countries have common interests on many regional and global issues. The recent meeting between President Erdoğan and President Trump in Washington DC on 25th of September 2025 was highly successful for both sides to open new horizons in our multi-dimensional cooperation.

We are pleased to observe that our trade relations have steadily grown over the last decade. The trade volume between Türkiye and the United States reached 37 billion dollars in 2025. We witnessed a 15 % increase in comparison to 2024.

The eight southern states including Texas covered by Turkish Consulate General in Houston also play an important role in our bilateral trade ties. Türkiye’s trade volume with these eight states reached 10 billion dollars in 2025.

Investments form another strong pillar in our economic partnership and the Lone Star State is becoming a major epicenter for Turkish investments. In the Greater Houston Area alone, more than 20 Turkish companies have already invested approximately 1,5 billion dollars. We observe a clear upward trend, with more Turkish companies seeking business opportunities in the southern states of the USA.

Distinguished guests,

Turkish cuisine is one of the richest and most deeply rooted cuisines in the world. It is not merely a collection of recipes. It is a living heritage born at the crossroads of continents. It is not only about food; it is about history, geography and traditions. For centuries, Turkish cuisine has evolved through the interaction of different civilizations and cultures, making it both diverse and unique. Thus, Turkish cuisine became a reflection of an unparalleled cultural synthesis. From the fertile plains of Anatolia to the seafood culture of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, from the olive groves of the Aegean to the spice-laden streets of Gaziantep, Turkish cuisine reflects hundreds of years of cultural exchange, shaped by Anatolian traditions, Mediterranean freshness, and Middle Eastern spice routes.

In this sense, Turkish cuisine is like a mirror. It reflects all the colors, richness, and depth of Turkish and Anatolian culture and history. Every dish carries a story, every flavor connects the past with the present.

The variety of the Turkish cuisine is also incredible. From region to region, you will find different ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques. You will have the opportunity to taste the unique samples of very healthy Mediterranean diet deeply shaped by the usage of virgin olive oil and herbal ingredients in the Aegean region, whereas you will be able to experience the best samples of kebap and baklava in the south-eastern part of the country.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This culinary diversity has already become a cornerstone of Türkiye’s tourism strategy. Gastronomy is recognized as one of the fastest-growing segments of Türkiye’s tourism experience. In recent years, gastronomy tourism has generated billions of dollars, accounting for roughly 20% of total tourism revenues, and is projected to continue expanding as Türkiye strengthens its share in global tourism sector.

International recognition further confirms the strength of this heritage. Several Turkish cities, including Gaziantep, Hatay, and Afyonkarahisar, have been designated as UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy. the Michelin Guide’s arrival in Türkiye has further elevated Turkish gastronomy internationally, with several restaurants earning Michelin stars and sustainability awards.

Dear guests,

The Turkish Tastes initiative represents a visionary step in sharing this heritage with the world. Launched in 2018 under the leadership of the Aegean Exporters’ Unions as part of Türkiye’s national branding and export promotion strategy, Turkish Tastes was conceived not merely as an event series, but as a comprehensive culinary diplomacy platform. Through chef competitions, tastings, masterclasses, and participation in international trade fairs, this initiative introduces high-quality Turkish ingredients to global chefs and markets. Particularly in the United States, a series of Turkish Tastes events were held in different cities so far and these events fostered collaboration and cultural exchange, strengthening both export potential and gastronomic image of Türkiye.

In this context, Turkish chefs, restaurant owners, food producers and exporters, and all those who promote Turkish food abroad—are true ambassadors of Turkish cuisine. Through their passion and dedication, they help introduce the flavors, techniques, and cultural depth of Türkiye in many countries across the globe.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Before I conclude, I would like to sincerely thank the leadership and members of Aegean Exporters’ Unions for their efforts and vision to organize this wonderful event. And I also want to thank you all for being here this evening to enjoy and better know the delicasies of the Turkish cuisine.

Have e great evening!