Public Diplomacy Coordination Board, which was established by the Directorate of Communications, held its first meeting within the framework of the ‘communication mobilization’ call made by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The meeting chaired by the Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun was organized at the Presidential Complex with the participation of all relevant ministries, public institutions and organizations.
Altun said in his speech at the opening of the meeting that public diplomacy was one of the most important highlights of strategic communication policies, and added: “Of course, our strategic communication and public diplomacy, above all, are not independent of our national security priorities, institutional values that keep our state and nation alive, our struggle for social welfare and our national development goals.”
Pointing out that communication has become a more important element in international relations than ever before, Altun noted that international media was gradually playing a more central role in the processes of foreign policy making and that media reality outweighed authentic reality.
“It is a matter of national security''
Stressing that information wars that influence Turkey from time to time were an undeniable part of international politics, Altun added:
“Now we are not talking about public diplomacy, the impact of strategic communication means on international relations and diplomacy, but about the transformation of diplomacy and international relations through new communication technologies, media campaigns and frauds. International relations have now gone beyond inter-state relations, and have become part of a complex relationship that includes the business world, non-governmental organizations, artists, media, activists and other elements. From the standpoint of countries like Turkey, which completed their political, economic and cultural integration with the world, not adapting to these new conditions is a matter of national security, if it is necessary to briefly state in a clear way.”
Indicating that Turkey had a history concerning the studies carried out in the area of public diplomacy, Altun stated that the Directorate of Communications was authorized regarding the coordination of public diplomacy activities with the transition to the Presidential Government System.
Altun expressed that when the national, regional and global developments were considered, it became more critical to act in cooperation and coordination while carrying out activities targeting international public opinion and decision-makers, and added that this was important in terms of establishing the unity of discourse within the state as well as the efficient utilization of resources.
“We will work hand in hand for the goals we have set in line with our national interests while bringing our possibilities and capabilities to the highest level and considering the challenges and opportunities faced by Turkey” Altun noted, and continued: “While performing this task, our greatest strength will be the valuable support of our President and the wisdom of our nation.”
Director of Communications Altun noted the following:
"Turkey’s young and dynamic population, its cultural richness, its leading position in the field of humanitarian assistance, its principled stance in foreign policy, its determination to make democracy prevail within its borders, its strong relations with the critical parts of the world, its regional power capacity and determination to be an actor in global matters ensure that Turkey has a head start in public diplomacy game. In this regard, we aim for excellence in crisis management in the short term, excellence in image management through positive communication campaigns in the medium term, and excellence in relationship management through investments we will make in strategic partnerships in the long term. Public Diplomacy Coordination Board has a historic responsibility and mission in order to contribute to our country’s advance in every field in a compelling geography and during a hard period. We will fulfil our responsibility to make sure that our Board becomes the collective mind of our state in the field of public diplomacy. We have every confidence that all our stakeholders will take active part in the works of the Board and contribute in all our works, being aware that our common denominator is Turkey brand as they act in a team spirit with the sense of cooperation and solidarity.”
Indicating that he genuinely believed that they would walk towards the goals set by President Erdoğan, bearing in mind that a strong Turkey is possible not only through strong leadership but also through strong communication and by turning crises into opportunities, Altun said, “For a strong Turkey, we will make our nation’s voice heard in the world more effectively through proactive public diplomacy activities under the leadership of our President.”
Altun also added that Public Diplomacy Coordination Board was scheduled to meet twice a year.
Strengthening public diplomacy activities discussed
Senior executives from all ministries, directorates, offices and policy councils affiliated to the Presidency as well as Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, Anadolu Agency, Information and Communication Technologies Authority, Foreign Economic Relations Board, Directorate General of Migration Management, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, Turkish Red Crescent, Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, Turkish Exports Assembly, Turkish Maarif Foundation, TRT, Yunus Emre Institute, Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities and Council of Higher Education attended the Public Diplomacy Coordination Board Meeting.
During the meeting where the Deputy Director of Communications Çağatay Özdemir made a presentation on Public Diplomacy Coordination Plan, participants discussed the board’s working mechanism and how public diplomacy activities could be strengthened.