Biden nominates ex-senator Jeff Flake as US Ambassador to Turkey
* Photo: US Consulate webpage
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US President Joe Biden has nominated former Republican Senator Jeff Flake as the US Ambassador to Turkey in Ankara.
Announcing his nomination on Medium, Flake has said, "Given the strategic importance of the US' relationship with our long-time NATO Ally, the Republic of Turkey, I am honored and humbled by the trust President Biden has placed in me with this ambassadorial nomination."
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) July 13, 2021
"This is a pivotal post at an important time for both of our countries," Flake has noted: "Cheryl and I are grateful for the opportunity to serve, and eager to get to know the extraordinary people of Turkey."
"If confirmed by the Senate, I will be pleased to join a strong, experienced and capable team representing U.S. interests abroad."
"Having served in both the U.S. House and Senate, I understand and appreciate the role Congress plays in U.S. foreign policy, and I look forward to that partnership," Flake has reiterated.
"I also understand the value of having America speak with one voice. Having lived overseas, I have a deep appreciation for the indispensable role that the United States plays around the world. There is no substitute for U.S. leadership," he has said, briefly adding:
"With this nomination, the Biden Administration reaffirms the best tradition of American foreign policy and diplomacy: the credo that partisan politics should stop at the water's edge. U.S. foreign policy can and should be bipartisan. That is my belief as well, and my commitment."
Flake was a key Republican ally for Biden during last year's White House race, and endorsed the Democratic then-nominee after establishing himself as a Republican long at odds with former President Donald Trump.
Flake served in both the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during his time in Congress, which spanned nearly two decades. It is unclear when the Senate will take up his nomination as it is set to depart for summer break in less than a month. (KÖ/SD)