An increasing number of issues such as rapid growth in population, economic crisis, climate change, energy demand, hunger, poverty, migration, social integration, territorial integrity, terrorism and security have been keeping the international community occupied. With the addition of positive and negative developments caused by globalization to these issues, the world has entered into a process of radical change and evolution.
Located at the junction where regions with different characteristics and resources, as well as roads between continents meet, Turkey has to take advantage of the opportunities offered by her geographical location, transform negative effects into positive gains, and also to act with the awareness of the responsibility placed upon her. On account also of the depth of her social and historical relations with countries in the region, Turkey faces the situation in which she has to deal with a multitude of foreign policy issues and problems at the same time. The necessity of a multi-dimensional foreign policy brings along the necessity to pursue a multi-dimensional strategy in the promotion of the country as well.
Cultural promotional activities on an international scale play an important role with regard to the image of a country and her prestige, as well as the effectiveness of the foreign policiy she desires to pursue. It is important to put promotional activities which could be used flexibly as an effective foreign policy instrument into a strategic framework, and to work in coordination and collaboration with all relevant institutions and organizations. Cultural promotion, is an inseparable part of foreign policy, and should therefore follow its priorities. Success in promotion depends on adopting an approach based on long-term planning, a global perspective and diligent implementation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has therefore been given by Law the mandate of implementing and coordinating foreign policy, carrying out relations with foreign countries and international organizations, ensuring the harmonization of foreign relation activities of other Ministries and institutions with foreign policy and coordinating there activities.
In this context, in order to address the actual demands of the cultural promotion of our country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs collaborates with all relevant institutions and organizations, especially with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, non-governmental organizations, private sector and academic circles which perform promotional activities.
Turkey has been a cradle and bridge for many civilizations, inherited traditions and cultures of earlier civilizations, created her own culture and contributed in this respect to other countries and peoples. It is natural for others to show an interest in this rich culture and attractive location. Awareness is the prerequisite of becoming interested. As a matter of fact, promotional activities strive not only to facilitate communication, to eradicate prejudices, to provide accurate information and a positive image, but also to cultivate awareness. We believe that cultural relations strengthen mutual understanding among countries, create an appropriate platform for joint action and by creating networks play an essential role in achieving success in the exercise of public diplomacy.
Limited to tourism earlier, the scope of “promotion” today has taken on quite a different appearance. The need for multi-dimensional promotion, covering a broad spectrum ranging from domestic politics to foreign policy, from economy and trade to culture, from social development and demographical movements to education, from tourism to cultural diversity and to richness of intellectual life, stems from the particular circumstances of our country, as well as from prevailing global conditions.
Millions of our citizens, kinsmen, as well as communities with affinity to Turkey exist in other countries. Hence the cultural promotion of our country is directed not only at foreigners but also at people of Turkish origin and such communities living abroad.
The focus of promotional activity is to introduce to the world, through various activities, the values, history, language and literature, archaeological assets, scientific achievements, art, architecture, cuisine, traditions, beliefs, role models and sports peculiar to our country. Our approach to this end is to utilize the universal language of culture and art, and to realize activities that will leave a lasting impression in the minds of people.
In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs collaborater with the relevant Turkish authorities institutions in carrying out numerous cultural promotional activities which appeal to large numbers of people in other countries. Among these are exhibitions promoting our country, contributing to organizations of Week of Turkey, Year of Turkey events and festivals, taking part in existing festivals and cultural events, organizing conferences abroad on Turkish foreign policy, producing promotional documentaries and publications.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work towards presenting the cultural accumulation of Turkey as a richness to the world community.