The Presidency's Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, expressed his gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for entrusting him with this post in his speech at the handover ceremony held at the Directorate of Communications.
Head of Communications Duran expressed his gratitude to Fahrettin Altun for his efforts and noted that it was a particular source of joy for him to take over the post from Altun.
Head of Communications Duran stated that during the critical periods Türkiye went through under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, they shared a lot with Altun in terms of both emotions and ideas and said, "Across academia, think tanks, and government institutions, we have developed a friendship and had the opportunity to work together for the Century of Türkiye vision while serving in our respective positions. Today, I am honoured to take over this role from him. Over the past seven years, he has served as the founding head of this institution, setting high standards and raising the bar to outstanding heights."
"The national communication model will be maintained"
Noting that there was a capable team at the Directorate of Communications and expressing his belief that intense work lay ahead, Head of Communications Duran said:
"As a matter of fact, many positive developments have taken place in many areas, from Türkiye's soft power to its investments in the digital sphere, as well as the further enhancement of its international reputation as an influential power. Among the activities we will undertake are the effective maintenance of this new generation national communication model, which was developed by Mr Fahrettin, and the continuation of these efforts."
Highlighting that the Directorate of Communications was one of the country's strategic institutions, Head of Communications Duran indicated that the fight against disinformation and public diplomacy were areas where this institution made significant strategic contributions.
Emphasising that continuity was essential for the state and that they would strive to carry the flag further, Head of Communications Duran said:
"With an understanding centred on the truth, we will strive to strengthen domestic trust, prosperity, and peace, as well as our country's reputation and influence abroad." Nobody should have any concerns, and everyone should believe that all of the efforts we will undertake under the leadership of our President and within the framework of his vision will prioritise the interests of our nation and state. When we consider the vision of the Century of Türkiye, we are referring to an era when our values, history, and mission are being rebuilt on a global scale, alongside economic development and political stability. Under the leadership of our President, Türkiye has reached a new level, becoming a country that sets the course. In this great endeavour, public diplomacy and strategic communication have played highly critical roles in enhancing our country’s visibility and influence on the international stage. We aim to build on this foundation and strive to strengthen it even more."
"We view public diplomacy as a crucial field"
Noting that the principle "The world is bigger than five" has become an important vision that captures the attention of not only statesmen but also of people around the world, Head of Communications Duran said, "We must bring together our soft power, culture, art, and humanitarian stance with the realities of the digital age. We view public diplomacy as a crucial field here. We are proceeding with a formula where our local and national stance will meet global language, and we will continue to do so."
The Head of Communications, Duran, emphasised the importance of the Türkiye brand and stated that efforts in this area will be continued and enhanced.
Altun thanks staff of Directorate
Fahrettin Altun, who has been appointed as the Chairman of the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye (TİHEK), expressed his gratitude to President Erdoğan, who entrusted him with the role of the Presidency's Head of Communications seven years ago.
Expressing his joy and pride, Altun stated that he and Head of Communications Duran, to whom he handed over the duty, share a very valuable friendship and brotherhood in addition to being colleagues.
Noting that they have learned a lot from each other, Altun said, "It was I who learned the most from him. We also stood together shoulder to shoulder in the struggle for a great and powerful Türkiye led by our President. Now I am handing over the duty to him. I pray to Allah Almighty to grant him immense success and achievements."
Altun stated that all that they have accomplished so far has been thanks to the opportunities and support provided by President Erdoğan.
Highlighting President Erdoğan's support, vision, and guidance, Altun said, "We are thankful to him. May Allah bless him. May Allah always keep him with us. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to all my coworkers, all the employees, and the executives."
Altun emphasised the tremendous sacrifices and efforts made by the employees of the Directorate of Communications during the various issues, crises, and disasters that Türkiye has faced and continues to face:
"Without their efforts, our achievements towards establishing Türkiye's Communication Model would not have been possible. I would also like to thank our members of the media, who strive as the defenders of truth in this post-truth era we live in. Throughout our seven years of collaboration, we have made significant efforts to improve the rights of media members. We have done this in fulfilment of our commitment to the vigil of truth. I would also like to express my gratitude to the esteemed executives and employees of the Anadolu Agency, TRT, and the Press Advertisement Institution. We have had a close working relationship and collaboration with them. They, too, have made significant contributions to the establishment of the Türkiye Communication Model. As I conclude my remarks, I would like to thank my family, my spouse, and my children."
The handover ceremony was attended by Serdar Karagöz, the Chairman of the Board and Director General of Anadolu Agency; Ebubekir Şahin, the Head of RTÜK; Zahid Sobacı, the TRT Director General; and Nebi Miş, the General Coordinator of SETA, as well as several bureaucrats and employees of the Directorate of Communications.
