Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy met with presidents of foreign missions and representatives of the presidency of Turkish and related communities abroad (YTB), the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), Directorate General of Foundations, and Yunus Emre Institute in the iftar program. In his speech addressing to the representatives, Minister Ersoy said: "You achieved to transform despair and hardships into hope and peace in every geography. You eliminated all the hardships with the power of sharing."

In addition to the representatives of YTB, TIKA, Directorate General of Foundations, and Yunus Emre Institute under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism; representative of minorities in Turkey, ambassadors, international students on Türkiye scholarships, Syrian children and students with hearing disabilities from Ghana met at the iftar program in Ankara.   Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy also participated in the program.

Beginning his speech by commemorating the ones who lost their lives in the terrorist attack in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, Minister Ersoy stated "We should not forget that those who massacred the innocent ones in their attack on a mosque in New Zeland and those who killed the innocent people in Sri Lanka's Easter Festival share the same mindset.  Terror has no religion, language, race, nor nationality. Turkey resolutely calls all the countries to present a common discourse and stance against terrorism under the leadership of our President."

Pointing out that the processes experienced before makes the meeting more meaningful, Minister Ersoy added: 

"When I glance through the room, I see brave people who as representatives of the Turkish nation and its moral and cultural values, work towards to change the world and make it a better place based on justice and human-centered understanding.  You are the most effective institutions in public diplomacy of Turkey thanks to all your activities. You have very extensive tasks including establishing cultural dialogues between countries, promoting our national goals, explaining our current policies effectively in the international platforms, presenting our image correctly to the people of other countries by managing information and perception."

Ersoy stressed that TIKA is an institution that has a global impact, promoting the national determination in different geographies in line with President Erdoğan's word indicating that "As Turkey, we will provide aid small or big to those who suffer in all around the world." Minister Ersoy added that YTB is saddled with the responsibility a national organization outside the borders. "

"You are the strength, the assurance of our citizens living abroad. You are the guide for the Turkish people abroad who will play an active role in the social and economic life of the countries they live in. You are the consciousness that will enable our citizens to become one. Moreover, you are also saddled with similar responsibilities towards our brother and sisters from the related-communities in the light of Turkey's responsibilities stemming from its history," he said.

Minister Ersoy emphasized that Yunus Emre Institute has been carrying out its activities at the global level for 10 years to promote Turkey's history, culture and art.  Congratulating 10th anniversary of the foundation of Yunus Emre Institute, Minister Ersoy stated: "Given the recent perception manipulations against our country spread internationally, the significance of these activities is realized better."

Touching upon the activities of the General Directorate of Foundations, Minister Ersoy highlighted that the institution is also always working to preserve cultural heritage in Turkey and in the geography of hearts to leave this heritage to the next generations while carrying thousands of years of moral values and culture of foundation though. "Considering the situation of the whole world, we get a better understanding of the greatness of this responsibility because we are at such a time when our values and works representing our values are intentionally targeted.  You are the will challenging against these attempts," he said.

"You achieved to transform despair and hardships into hope and peace in every geography. You eliminated all the hardships with the power of sharing. When I look at you, I see countless people from Africa, South America, Asia to the Middle East whose lives are changed. Allah bless all of you. I am very pleased to share the same table with you on this beautiful Ramadan evening and to experience this atmosphere of our iftar together.

You shall know that as a result of all these efforts, your influence on public diplomacy, on the Turkey perception in the international public opinion presenting humanitarian and universal policies has gained the great appreciation of our nation," he added.