Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Naci Koru at BAU

The conference organized by the Bahçeşehir University School of Government and Leadership, at which Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Naci Koru delivered a talk titled "Turkish Foreign Policy and Career Opportunities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," was opened by our President Prof. Dr. Şenay Yalçın. Sharing her valuable knowledge and comments on energy, her field of expertise, with the participants, our President presented her assessment of the different dimensions of the energy issue in relation to Turkish Foreign Policy and the international balance of power. Emphasizing that energy is one of the most important elements in international relations, Yalçın handed the floor to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Naci Koru after her opening speech. Koru began his speech by recalling his visit to Bahçeşehir University in previous years, saying that he had not forgotten it and had been impressed by the interest of young people, and continued: "In the years when I joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, those who joined the Ministry were mostly graduates of the Faculty of Political Science, but today this range has widened."

Stating that Türkiye was not very active in foreign policy in the 1980s, Koru noted that Türkiye's voice was not much heeded because it was the last country to respond to developments in the region. Koru said, "In the 1990s, after the end of the Cold War, there were many new developments in the Balkans, in the Soviet geography and in the world; new states emerged, the world adapted to these new developments, and many countries developed." However, he emphasized that Türkiye was not active in the face of these developments and could not strengthen its ties with these countries. Stating that we could not play an effective role even in the Middle East, Koru said that the 1990s were not very profitable for our country. Noting that new developments in terms of both economic and political stability took place in the 2000s, Naci Koru stated that our foreign trade is approaching 400 billion dollars and the target is 500 billion dollars, and that Türkiye is moving rapidly toward its goal. Referring to our 6 million citizens living abroad, Koru stated that this is very important for our foreign policy. Emphasizing that for years these citizens were seen as a source of income, Koru added that our citizens now form an important link in terms of foreign policy.

Stating that Türkiye is trying to actively adapt its foreign policy to the rapidly changing and developing world, Koru discussed four developments that are important in the restoration of foreign policy: the development of strategic relations, playing an active role in international organization platforms, building close relations with neighboring and surrounding countries, and an opening policy toward new geographies. Emphasizing that we have attained a central position in NATO and that our ultimate goal is the EU, Koru said that our future lies in the European Union. Referring to the four principles Türkiye takes into account in its relations with neighboring and surrounding countries, Koru listed them as developing political dialogue, creating mutual economic interdependence, increasing cultural and social interaction, and ensuring regional cooperation. Koru emphasized that our goal is to develop our relations with other countries both politically and economically and that we are moving forward in line with this goal. Referring to the opening policy, Koru stated that Türkiye is the country with the widest diplomatic representation network in Africa. Emphasizing Somalia's importance for Türkiye, Koru added that our largest Embassy would be opened there. Stating the importance of Turkish Airlines for our foreign policy, Koru said: "Wherever Turkish Airlines flies, we open an Embassy there, and wherever we open an Embassy, they launch flights there." Emphasizing that we rank 8th, after Spain, in the ranking of countries by foreign missions, Koru stated that while we had 163 Embassies in 2002, we had 219 in 2013. Stating that there are 206 Diplomatic Missions in Türkiye, Koru added that Türkiye can open nearly ten Embassies a year.

Continuing his speech by discussing career opportunities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Koru first answered the question "Who is a diplomat?" Explaining the diplomat in the simplest terms as the country's representative abroad, Koru stated that a diplomat's most important duty is to serve citizens. Stating that a diplomat must be knowledgeable on every subject, Koru emphasized that diplomats must be able to work under all conditions. Stating that the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs consists of 7 main staff groups, namely Diplomatic Career Officers, Professional Officers, Consular and Specialist Officers, Foreign Affairs Experts, Legal Advisors, Advisors, Contracted Personnel, Translators and other headquarters officers, Koru explained the qualifications of these staff and what needs to be done to work in these fields. Discussing what awaits a young diplomat starting the job, Koru emphasized that the person must be aware of the privilege of representing Türkiye. Referring to the financial rights of those in service, Koru stated that a person starting the job receives a salary of nearly 5 thousand dollars, along with education assistance for children and an incentive allowance. Stating that there are summer and winter schools for university students interested in foreign policy and diplomacy, Koru said that 2nd- and 3rd-year students are evaluated based on their grade point average. Emphasizing that language learning opportunities are offered to those who wish after joining the Ministry, Koru noted that there is a great shortage in languages such as Russian, Arabic and Spanish. Finally, Koru concluded his speech by discussing internship opportunities at the Center for Strategic Research (SAM).