Degerli konuklar hepinize hogeldiniz diliyorum.
Distinguished guests and friends, I would like to welcome you as we celebrate the Independence Day of the United States of America. It is a pleasure to see all of you here in these numbers and to share this special occasion with you.
It is my first Independence Day celebration here in Istanbul. It has been a memorable nine or so months thus far and a real learning experience. I want to say thank you to all of you for helping me in that process and making it such a memorable time in this wonderful city.
The celebration that we have got today is also a poignant one, as we bid farewell to Ambassador Ricciardone and Dr. Ricciardone, at the conclusion of their distinguished years of service to the enduring friendship between Turkey and the United States.
Ladies and gentlemen, Ambassador Ricciardone.
