Ambassadors talked about their diplomatic experiences in Üsküdar

Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Strategic Research Application and Research Center (ÜSSAM) and Turkish Economic, Political and Strategic Research Center (TESAM) organized a program titled "Foreign Affairs Vocational Training: Being a Diplomat in Foreign Affairs". Sri Lankan Ambassador to Ankara Saranya Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake, Ambassador İskender Okyay and Ambassador Ergin Soner attended the program. Speaking at the opening of the program, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak emphasized that it is a sacred duty to undertake duties on behalf of the state. Prof. Kaynak also stated that they aim to train well-equipped students in the field of international relations.

The program held at Üsküdar University South Campus Fuat Sezgin Conference Hall was attended by Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak, Head of Political Science and International Relations (English) Department Prof. Havva Kök Arslan, TESAM Founding President İlyas Bozkurt, TESAM members, Üsküdar University academicians and students.

The program, in which the professional experiences of the ambassadors were explained, was met with interest by the students.

Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak: "We aim to train well-equipped students in the field of International Relations"

The opening speech of the program was made by Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak. Prof. Kaynak stated that "It is indeed a very sacred duty to be able to represent one's state and to undertake duties on behalf of one's state. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a highly technical field that requires good training. This work should be carried out by people who have that knowledge and equipment. We aim to train well-equipped students in the field of International Relations. We create our curricula in this direction and such trainings will be very opening and visionary for each of you. Recently, we observed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working very successfully and Türkiye has experienced a significant change of course in international relations. Türkiye is in a very favorable environment and in a strong position thanks to well-managed processes. Therefore, the coming period will offer full opportunities for all of you."

İlyas Bozkurt: "Last year, we published 64 international peer-reviewed scientific books"

Stating that it is of great importance for think-tank organizations to cooperate with universities and the state, TESAM Founding President İlyas Bozkurt expressed that "Perhaps one of the most important non-governmental organizations is think-tanks. As TESAM, I can easily say that we are the most powerful think-tank organization in Türkiye. Last year, we published 64 international peer-reviewed scientific books. There are very few think-tanks in Türkiye that can publish 64 scientific books per year, organize at least 7-8 workshops and have a peer-reviewed journal. Although many think-tanks have been established in Türkiye in the last 15-20 years, most of them are small clubs where a few academics come together. However, there are also think-tanks that do valuable work. I believe that stronger organizations will emerge in the coming years. It is very important to create this culture. For this reason, it is of great importance that TESAM-style think-tank organizations carry out joint studies in cooperation with universities and the state."

After the opening speeches, the panel started under the moderation of Prof. Havva Kök Arslan, Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations (English).

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Ankara Hasanti: "Diplomacy is becoming increasingly important"

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Ankara Saranya Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake pointed out in her speech that diplomacy prevents war. Hasanthi stated that "I chose to come to Ankara and come to Türkiye because of my willingness, but it is not because of diplomacy or relations between Sri Lanka and Türkiye. I chose it because I am interested in archaeology and I also studied archaeology. I have been in office for more than two years. I will be leaving my position here in October. Because of the right to serve in a place in Sri Lanka for a maximum of three years. Our task is a difficult and arduous one. Sri Lanka is a multi-religious religion. I am a Buddhist, and when I saw Eid al-Adha in Türkiye, it seemed contrary to my nature, but I did not judge it. When you are a diplomat, you must have this openness. Diplomacy is becoming increasingly important. Diplomacy is a profession that prevents conflict and war. There are always heroes in war, but there are no heroes in peace. This is how we can understand the importance of diplomacy."

Ambassador İskender Okyay: "Being active in international relations is not just being a diplomat"

Emphasizing the depths of the profession, Ambassador İskender Okyay stated that it is necessary to be prepared for difficulties. Okyay stated that "Being active in international relations is not just being a diplomat. If you come from one country and work in another, even this is international relations. You can think broadly. The old bureaucrats instilled that period in us, but the times have changed. That period does not exist now. The reason for this is technology. You need to adapt to them. When you enter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is out of the question to be sent wherever you want. Be used to surprises. It is a profession with difficulties and difficulties. You are very involved in politics. You must be prepared for them. It's important to be flexible. You should not lose your character traits. You need to be able to read the changes. Make a difference and be ready for improvement."

Ambassador Ergin Soner: "Foreign service is a profession that requires great sacrifice"

Stating that the embassy is a proud profession, Ambassador Ergin Soner said that he thinks he has the most beautiful profession in the world. Soner stated that "There are some technical issues, and that's the case in our foreign service. For example, aviation and maritime issues or Aegean problems in Turkish-Greek relations. These areas are dealt with by specific departments and focus solely on these issues. Another example is NATO affairs. NATO has a special department in the Turkish Foreign Ministry, where it is considered as a whole in terms of its political, economic and cultural dimensions. Foreign service is an extremely demanding profession that requires great sacrifice. There are two exceptional civil servants in the Republic of Türkiye: the embassy and the governorship. We are civil servants, but we are exceptional civil servants. The most important duty of ambassadors is to represent the government, the state and the President himself. From this point of view, being an ambassador is an extremely honorable and proud profession. However, this profession directly affects not only the life of the individual, but also the life of his family. If you intend to start a family, your spouse and children will also be affected by the positive and negative aspects of this profession. In my opinion, being an ambassador is one of the most beautiful and richest professions in the world. As long as you do not lose your health, you will achieve a significant improvement and enrichment in your perspective on the world."

After Ambassador Ergin Soner's speech, the questions of the participants were answered.

Afterwards, the closing speech of the program was made by Assoc. Prof. İbrahim Arslan, Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Assoc. Prof. İbrahim Arslan: "We have a structure that brings together the schools of Mekteb-i Mülkiye and Mekteb-i Şahane"

Assoc. Prof. İbrahim Arslan stated that "We, as the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Üsküdar University, have a structure that brings together the schools of Mekteb-i Mülkiye and Mekteb-i Şahane. In this direction, I believe that we have made valuable contributions to our students. This event, which we organized for the first time in cooperation with TESAM, was very productive and beneficial." said.

After the presentation of a certificate of appreciation and gifts, the program ended with a group photo shoot.

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)