John Bass sworn in as new US envoy to Turkey

ANKARA

The new US envoy to Ankara was sworn in on Oct. 7.

The United States’ new ambassador to Turkey, John Bass, was sworn in on Oct. 7, completing a long-winded appointment procedure. Bass is planning to arrive in Turkey to begin his position in the coming days.

“John was an essential part of my team and he is going on to an essential role,” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said during the swearing-in ceremony in Washington DC. Bass had previously served as the executive secretary at Kerry’s office.

In his address, Kerry highlighted the importance of the relationship between Turkey and the U.S. “Our relationship with Turkey is one of the strongest friendships that we have built around the world,” he said, noting that U.S.-Turkish relations are based on “shared interests and respect.”

Meanwhile, Bass used a Turkish phrase, “uzun yıllardır çok iyi dostlarız,” meaning “We have been very good friends for many years.”

Bass' time in office will begin after he presents his credentials to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.