On May 22, 2012, president of ATAA, Ergun KIRLIKOVALI, along with presidents of Hawaii TAA, Engin Turkalp, and Los Angeles TAA, Ahmet Onerbay, Pax Turcica Institute (PTI), Dr. Javid Huseynov, and other Turkish American leadres met with President of Turkey, Abdullah Gül, who was visiting San Francisco, California.
This was a first-ever visit by a Turkish President to the U.S. West Coast. In a private meeting with the Turkish and Turkic community leaders, where he waqs accompanied by Minister of Industry Nihat Ergun, Turkish Ambassador to the U.S. Namik Tan, and Consul General to Los Angeles , Aydin Topcu, President Gül was informed about the ATAA’s dual goals of engaging the “Young Turks”, meaning the next generation of Turkish Americans, and increasing participation of the Turkish American community in the democratic process. President Gül said he was pleased to hear of these activities and urged unity and solidarity within diversity.
The ATAA Delegation of some 20 people then joined the elegant reception held at dazzling Fairmont Hotel in honor of President Gül. During the reception Mayor of San Francisco, Edwin M. Lee, presented the keys of the city to the President.
