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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Led by Minister of Economy Zafer Caglayan, a group |
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of prominent businessmen from the Republic of Turkey is visiting |
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Austin on April 3, 2013, and it is indeed a pleasure to welcome this |
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distinguished delegation; and |
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WHEREAS, The Republic of Turkey and the United States foster |
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a strong strategic partnership based on common values and ideals |
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such as democracy, the rule of law, and the free market economy, and |
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our countries work together to address many challenges and to |
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promote mutual interests; and |
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WHEREAS, The 17th largest global economy, Turkey is an |
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international business and financial powerhouse, with an average |
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5.2 percent annual growth from 2002 to 2011; it is an increasingly |
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important commercial partner with the Lone Star State, and as part |
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of Mr. Caglayan's efforts to further develop this relationship, |
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Turkish Airlines has recently decided to offer nonstop flights |
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between Houston and Istanbul; and |
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WHEREAS, Texas is home to some 50,000 Turkish-American |
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citizens and to organizations such as the Turquoise Council of |
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Americans and Eurasians, the Raindrop Foundation, and the Texas |
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Turkish American Chamber of Commerce that are all contributing |
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greatly to the economic vitality and cultural diversity of the |
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state; in addition, the sister city connection between Austin and |
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Antalya and between Houston and Istanbul continually reinforces |
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these bonds of friendship; and |
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WHEREAS, The State of Texas and the Republic of Turkey enjoy a |
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dynamic and mutually beneficial economic relationship, and this |
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vibrant trade alliance will continue to enhance prosperity and make |
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critical contributions to the global economy in the years to come; |
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now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas |
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Legislature hereby welcome His Excellency Zafer Caglayan and the |
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accompanying Turkish delegation to Texas and extend to them sincere |
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best wishes for a productive and memorable visit to the state. |