Turkish Ambassador Speaks on Palestinian-Turkish Relations

On August 19, 2013, the Ibrahim Abu-Lughod Institute of International Studies at Birzeit University hosted the Turkish Ambassador to the Palestinian Authority Shaker Ozkan Turonlarn to speak on Palestinian-Turkish relations.
The ambassador first met with Birzeit University President Khalil Hindi and discussed cooperation prospects between Palestinian and Turkish universities.
Ambassador Turonlarn, in his address, spoke of the significant economic and political role that Turkey plays as a member of different organizations. He said that the country’s size and geographical location are vital factors that enable Turkey to adopt policies that impact the whole region. He also emphasized the deep historic ties between the Palestinian and Turkish nations.
The diplomat also explained the transformation that Turkey has experienced since the Development and Justice Party won the elections in 2002. He said: “It’s a great opportunity for Turkey to be open to regional, Arab, and Islamic countries; such openness has substantially contributed to Turkey’s economic development, which affects Turkey’s political role as well.”
This lecture was part of a series organized by the Ibrahim Abu-Lughod Institute of International Studies that host international diplomats and other policymakers at the university.