AMBASSADOR

Ambassador James F. Jeffrey

James F. Jeffrey
American Ambassador to Turkey

Ambassador James F. Jeffrey was nominated to be Ambassador to Turkey by President Bush in June 2008.  He was confirmed by the Senate in October.

Ambassador Jeffrey, a career member of the Foreign Service, previously served on detail to the National Security Council as the Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor.  Prior to this, he served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the Department of State.  His responsibilities included leading the Iran Policy Team and coordinating public diplomacy.

Ambassador Jeffrey served as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State for Iraq from August 2005 to August 2006.  Previously, he served as U.S. Charge d’affairs to Iraq from March 2005 to June 2005 and as Deputy Chief of Mission in Baghdad from June 2004 through March 2005.

Earlier in his career, Ambassador Jeffrey served as Ambassador to Albania from October 2002 to May 2004.  Other assignments have included three tours in Turkey, including Deputy Chief of Mission from 1999-2002, as well as Deputy Chief of Mission in Kuwait and Deputy Special Representative for Bosnian Implementation.

Ambassador Jeffrey received his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and his master’s degree from Boston University. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany and Vietnam from 1969 to 1976.

Ambassador Jeffrey is accompanied by his wife, Gudrun.  They have two grown children, Jahn and Julia.

Ambassador’s Remarks and Public events

U.S. Ambassador James Jeffrey’s Written Statement in the Book of Honor at Anıtkabir

December 3, 2008

Ataturk’s legacy remains undiminished.  As a soldier who confronted foreign armies, a diplomat who stood toe-to-toe with the Great Powers, and a statesman who molded a modern country, Ataturk is a heroic figure whose vision for Turkey was both sweeping and farsighted.   He remains an inspiration for those who cherish peace, freedom and democracy, and his ideals serve as a beacon for everyone who dreams of a brighter tomorrow.

As the U.S. Ambassador, it is only fitting that I return to Anitkabir.   I too draw inspiration from these columns, and from the memory of this extraordinary leader.  As Turkey and the United States work together on the challenges that lie ahead, we can be guided by the principles which Ataturk so eloquently championed.

In the words of the great Turkish hero and President:  “Peace at Home and Peace in the World.”

James Jeffrey

Ambassador Jeffrey’s Remarks at Esenboga Airport

November 30, 2008
Ankara, Turkey

Hello, I would like to say a couple of things.  I’m very very happy to be back in Turkey.  Throughout my 31 year career, I have worked on a number of occasions in Turkey, or worked with Turkey.  First in Adana, then Ankara and the last time in Ankara was in 1999-2002 as Deputy Chief of Mission.

Turkey and the United States of America have been friends since 1923 and they have also been allies in Korea and then in NATO for 58 years.  We have a special alliance which is important for Ankara and Washington. I am very very glad to be back in Ankara and Turkey.  Thank you.

Barack Obama:  America’s 44th President *

James F. Jeffrey
U.S. Ambassador

America will mark an historical transition on January 20 when Barack Obama places his hand on Abraham Lincoln’s bible and takes the oath of office as America’s 44th President. The significance of this transition was best described by Barack Obama himself on election night in Chicago:  “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”

In that same speech Barack Obama drew attention to the challenges ahead, saying: “For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime — two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.”  These challenges that we face are not America’s alone, and America cannot overcome them alone. Turkey and the United States are already working together to respond to the global economic crisis.  No one knows how long or severe this crisis will be, but our countries will confront it with a shared interest in maintaining the free flow of goods and credit.

The Turkish economy has come a long way since I last served here in 2001.  Turkey is now on the path to EU accession and one of the 20 largest economies in the world.  It has successfully completed an IMF program, attracted billions in foreign investment, and undertaken extensive structural reforms, including a major banking reform that created one of the soundest banking sectors among emerging market countries.  This dynamism and commitment to reform has made Turkey immensely attractive to U.S. businesses and investors.

U.S.-Turkish trade is still relatively modest at $16.2 billion in 2008, but growing.  My government encourages American companies to look at business opportunities in Turkey.  One sector where there are many such opportunities is energy.  Several U.S. companies have successful energy investments in Turkey and already are contributing to meeting Turkey’s growing energy needs.  In addition to electricity generation investments, U.S. companies are involved in exploration.  Toreador is conducting exploration activities in the Black Sea, and Exxon Mobil recently signed a deal with TPAO for exploration in the same area.

We want to find ways to do more.  The U.S. is committed to helping Turkey strengthen its energy security and meet its needs by diversifying its energy mix with a particular focus on renewable energy sources.  We want to establish more efficient and productive financing mechanisms to support Turkish energy projects, especially in light of the global financial crisis.  The U.S. Export-Import Bank has financed $1.6 billion in projects in Turkey and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation has supported $500 million worth of projects here.

American companies are bullish about doing business in Turkey.  76% of U.S. companies responding to an American Business Forum in Turkey (ABFT) survey said their company’s initial decision to invest in Turkey was a good one.  73% said they would recommend investing in Turkey to others.  67% said they plan to invest further in Turkey. Those numbers represent a very strong vote of confidence in Turkish workers and the Turkish economy.

There are, however, areas of concern for U.S. companies and these are reflective, I believe, of the concerns of foreign investors in Turkey in general.  Among the problems most often cited are the level of taxation and the compliance burden, and the inefficiency and lack of predictability in the legal system, particularly with regard to intellectual property rights (IPR).  Turkey passed some significant tax and IPR reforms in 2008, but more remains to be done.

Barack Obama made change the hallmark of his campaign, but he also reaffirmed America’s long-standing commitment to open markets, saying:  “… we must build on the wealth that open markets have created, and share its benefits more equitably. Trade has been a cornerstone of our growth and global development. But we will not be able to sustain this growth if it favors the few, and not the many.”  I am confident that America’s commitment to its long-standing economic partnership with Turkey will endure.

*Published in Businessweek Turkey – January 18, 2009