OUR MOTTO: “DIASPORA DIPLOMACY”

The World Turkish Business Council convened the leading figures of the Turkish diaspora at the DTİK 10th Kurultai

The World Turkish Business Council (DTİK), operating within the framework of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), convened prominent figures from the Turkish diaspora during the 10th DTİK Kurultai. The Kurultai gathered over 4,000 representatives from the Turkish diaspora in Istanbul, uniting senior company executives, politicians, bureaucrats, scholars, economists, and scientists from 131 countries worldwide.

ERDOĞAN: “DTİK WILL BECOME A PART OF THE ORGANIZATION OF TURKIC STATES”

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, expressed that convening the DTİK Kurultai with the theme of the Organization of Turkic States’ “Five States One Diaspora” agenda was highly fitting. He added, “I hope that the protocol to be signed between the Organization of Turkic States and the World Turkish Business Council (DTİK) during the DTİK Kurultai will be beneficial.” Through this agreement, DTİK will actively contribute to realizing the economic objectives of our organization, becoming an integral and impactful component within it. Given the substantial size of the Turkish diaspora, estimated at around 8 million, it underscores the significance of the foundation we have laid. We are steadfastly devoted to fortifying our cultural, political, economic, historical, and social bonds, leveraging the contributions of institutions like DTİK. In doing so, we are poised to inaugurate a new era, fostering collaboration not only within our homeland but also with our brothers and sisters in the diaspora.”

BOLAT: “WE ARE VERY PLEASED THAT DTİK GUIDES OUR DIASPORA”

Calling on the Turkish diaspora and business people abroad to use business diplomacy together, Prof. Dr Ömer Bolat, Minister of Trade, said: “This collaboration will significantly contribute to the establishment of a more influential and robust Türkiye on the global stage. As the Turkish diaspora, through your perseverance and accomplishments, you elevate the name of the Turkish nation to the highest echelons and steadfastly serve as the voice of this esteemed nation in various corners of the world. We are immensely pleased that DTİK is providing guidance and mentorship to our diaspora representatives worldwide. To assert itself in the global economy, Türkiye persists in diversifying its export markets by engaging in bilateral and multilateral comprehensive free trade agreements. As of today, Türkiye has implemented 23 free trade agreements and 4 preferential trade agreements. We encourage you to represent yourselves, your families, our homeland, and our faith in the best possible manner in the countries where you reside, while also keeping your connection to your homeland alive.”

OLPAK: “OUR MOTTO AS DTİK IS DIASPORA DIPLOMACY”

Nail Olpak, President of DEİK-DTİK stated that their motto as DEİK is “Business Diplomacy” and as DTIK they work with the motto of “Diaspora Diplomacy” and said, “As DTİK, we engage in global initiatives to establish coordination and networks among business people of Turkish origin and those who are supportive of Türkiye, aligning with the regions they are situated in, economically and academically developed. This encompasses individuals of Turkish origin as well as those who are supportive of Türkiye worldwide. “Diaspora Diplomacy” holds a primary status in our endeavours. Such activities must be spearheaded by civil society entities like us.” Olpak emphasized their goal of bolstering the Turkish community abroad to enhance their economic, political, and social influence, intending to aid the homeland. Additionally, they aspire to support Türkiye’s promotional and strategic communication efforts through the contributions of diaspora representatives.

THE BESTS OF THE TURKISH DIASPORA WERE AWARDED

The Diaspora Award Ceremony, held as part of the DTİK Kurultai, recognized diaspora representatives across eight distinct fields, honouring their notable contributions. n Business World Award-Serpil Timuray, Vodafone Group World Executive Board Member and Europe CEO n Entrepreneur Award – Avni Yerli, Founder and CEO of Crytek n Ties of Affection Award – Sabina Izetbegovic Berberovic, Founding Board Member of Alijja Izetbegovic Foundation n Diaspora History Award – Scholar Işıl Acehan n Academy Award – Prof. Dr Talip Küçükcan, Ambassador to Jakarta n Gastronomy Award – Somer Sivrioğlu n Art Award – İsmail Acar n DTİK Special Award – Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Former DTİK President and TOBB President (Hisarcıklıoğlu was honoured with the DTİK Special Award, presented to Ali Kopuz, TOBB Vice President.)