Presidency's Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun's article, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the labour agreement between Türkiye and Austria signed in 1964, was published in Kurier, a prominent newspaper in Austria.
In his article, Head of Communications Altun stated that the world history of the 20th century was a history of great wars, destruction and turbulence.
Noting that the Second World War, which caused great political, social and economic destruction in Europe, was one of the most dramatic and traumatic events and that in the post-war period, there had been a great need for workers to ensure the construction and economic development of Europe, Head of Communications Altun continued as follows:
"The labour recruitment agreement signed on May 15, 1964, can be viewed as a milestone in the consolidation of friendly relations between Türkiye and Austria with economic, social and cultural proximity. The implementation of the agreement, which was in the interests of both countries, was the first step towards coexistence between the two peoples.
Turks who migrated to Austria have significantly contributed to the development of their host country. They have embraced a new social environment, immersed themselves in a different culture, explored various fields of work, and successfully adapted to their new lives."
"We strive to achieve this goal"
Stating that since the early 2000s, in Europe, countries that covered their labour needs from abroad after the Second World War disseminated a racist mindset that labels other cultures and ideas as “the other," Head of Communications Altun said, "Today, it is disheartening to see that an ill-conceived perspective like Islamophobia has gained prominence in certain Western countries." Head of Communications Altun emphasised that instead of sowing the seeds of hostility, they considered the cultivation of a friendly climate between peoples as an indispensable prerequisite for world peace and strived to achieve this goal.
In his article, Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun said: "Led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye is now a stabilising power that plays an important role at regional and global levels. We intervene in crises using diplomacy skills honed over time, our strategic position, and the positive relationships we have built with all countries, thereby opening the door to solutions. In addition to its political, economic and business relations, Türkiye is increasingly making its presence in the region felt through cultural and social interactions. We therefore attach great importance to relations with Austria.
I would like to recall with great gratitude the support that Austria provided after the earthquakes of February 6, 2023, which directly affected around 15 million people.
As an active player on the global stage, Türkiye, with its strong friendly relations with Austria, has not refrained from taking initiatives to ensure global peace and prosperity and will continue to do so in the future. We see Austria as an important ally in this struggle for world peace and prosperity. The fact that our countries are working together towards the same goal is a great opportunity for a successful fight."