In a message to the 26th Annual Conference on Turkish-U.S. Relations, sponsored by the Turkish-U.S. Business Council (TAIK) and the American-Turkish Council (ATC), U.S. President George W. Bush declared that good relations between the two countries help to promote global welfare and the cause of peace, reports Sabah newspaper. He also stated that he appreciates the contributions that Turkish Americans make to the U.S. "Turkey and the US have a relationship which reflects common interests, and carries forward the cause of peace. The two countries can develop trade opportunities by increasing international cooperation," Bush said.