SR-183, As Adopted by Senate, October 1, 2014

            Senator Schuitmaker offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 183.

A resolution recognizing the friendship and partnership between Michigan and the Republic of Turkey.

Whereas, The Republic of Turkey and the United States of America are longstanding allies, both cherishing the universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and

Whereas, In its alliances with the United States, Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to peace and liberty, as well as its political and religious tolerance; and

Whereas, There are approximately 400,000 Turkish Americans in the United States and a growing number in Michigan; and

Whereas, Michigan values its vibrant and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey -- the world's fifteenth-largest economy and Europe's sixth-largest economy -- and is excited at the prospect of future growth; and

Whereas, Expanding the relationship between Michigan and Turkey is economically and culturally worthy; and

Whereas, Muskegon, Michigan, and Antalya, Turkey, are sister cities; and

Whereas, In June 2012, the Michigan-Turkey forum “Trends in Research and Development with Industry” was held in Istanbul; and

Whereas, Ford Motor Company has one of its largest joint venture assembly plants in Turkey; and

Whereas, The Turkish American Society of Michigan (TASM) is very active in expanding awareness of their culture; and

Whereas, The Niagara Foundation and the Turkic American Federation of the Midwest are huge proponents of the Turkish-Great Lakes State Friendship Task Force; and

Whereas, It is in the best interest of the state of Michigan to further cultivate the relationship with Turkey and other Turkic nations; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the friendship and partnership between Michigan and the Republic of Turkey be honored and affirmed; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Niagara Foundation, the Turkic American Federation of the Midwest, and the Turkish American Society of Michigan.