Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey participated in the meeting of Overseas Citizens Advisory Board held in Ankara, on June 17, 2013.

Speaking at the meeting Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stressed that today approximately 6 million Turkish citizens live abroad as a result of 50-60 year heritage.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stated that it was thought that Turkish citizens who have immigrated to Europe for labor would return Turkey when the manpower was no longer needed; nonetheless after a while Turkish communities who enjoy their culture and identity have been formed. “Protecting the rights of overseas citizens is the honor of Republic of Turkey” emphasized Foreign Minister Davutoğlu.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu asked Turkish citizens abroad to maintain friendly relations with the citizens of the countries where they live and pointed out that there can be racist groups, but animosity of these groups should not be responded equally. Foreign Minister Davutoğlu underlined that making more people “Turkey’s friend” is the biggest support to Turkey.

“As long as we have self-confidence, we overcome every political problem and every economic crisis, we find solutions to every cultural issue” said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu pointing out that the self-confidence is the most important psychological power which sustains a nation. Talking about Turkey’s achievements in economy and foreign policy in the last 10 years Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stated that the self-confidence lies behind all these achievements.

Touching on cultural problems Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said that every measure should be taken to protect the cultural identity of the new generation. Stating that the discrimination should be prevented and the differences should not be regarded as an element of conflict, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu pointed to xenophobia as an important threat.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu, also drawing attention to the economic and political developments, said that “From now on, there is no Turkish diaspora seeking labor, but there is a large enterprising group which employs also the people of the countries where they live”. Emphasizing the importance of the political participation, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu called Turkish citizens abroad to deal with the destiny of the countries where they live and to participate in politics.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu pointed out that Turkey makes every endeavor for the solution of the dual-citizenship problem. Moreover, he added that progress has been achieved in visa issue.

Referring to the importance of the overseas citizens’ participation to the elections in Turkey Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said that it is the mission of Turkish government to enable overseas citizens to vote where they live during the coming elections.