Honorary Doctorate for Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa

Bahçeşehir University hosted Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, who came to Türkiye on an official visit. Meeting with Bahçeşehir University academics and students as well as businesspeople who had come to Türkiye from Ecuador at the university's Beşiktaş campus, President Correa also gave a conference on Türkiye–Ecuador relations. Following the conference, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa was awarded an honorary doctorate by Bahçeşehir University.

Saying that he loves Türkiye very much and that this is why they came to Türkiye with a delegation of ministers, members of parliament, social administrators, farmers from rural areas and student council presidents, Ecuadorian President Correa said that he does not see himself as a traditional politician. "The academic world always renews my spirit and is very important to me. I humbly accept this title on behalf of the people of Ecuador," said Correa. "In Latin America, winning elections does not mean gaining power, because one must constantly struggle against invisible hands. What we most need to do now is fight poverty. We must stand against economic policies that plunge humanity into crisis and pollute the environment. We must set capital aside and give importance to humanity. I invite everyone to Ecuador. You will feel at home there ," he said.

"I CAME TO TÜRKİYE AS A STUDENT"

Drawing attention with his warm manner, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa said that he had come to Türkiye during his student years and had been fascinated by the ancient city of Ephesus, the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and the Hagia Sophia Museum. Noting that he was especially impressed by Hagia Sophia, the President added that this is why his daughter is named "Sofía."

BAHÇEŞEHİR UNIVERSITY OPENS ITS DOORS TO ECUADORIAN STUDENTS

Speaking at the honorary doctorate ceremony, Bahçeşehir University President Prof. Dr. Şenay Yalçın stated that Rafael Correa is a distinguished head of state followed with interest and attention by the university's academic circles as well as by world public opinion, and noted that Correa is a highly respected economist in his country. Stating that, alongside his meticulous attention to his country's national interests, the traces of his identity as an economist are reflected in the policies Correa has pursued as president, Yalçın said: "As a very young head of state, Correa draws attention in international circles with the nationalization policies he is implementing, his close relations with South American governments, and his stance against agreements made in previous periods that he believes are against Ecuador's interests."

Stating that, in addition to economic development pursued within the framework of universal values, the changes and breakthroughs initiated through constitutional amendments are very important gains achieved by Correa for the Republic of Ecuador, Yalçın noted that Correa had made significant changes during his presidency as a requirement of policies based on the interests of the people of Ecuador. President Prof. Dr. Şenay Yalçın also emphasized that, in addition to the trade relations that have increased between the countries in recent years, cooperation must also be established in the academic field, and added that, like many students from all over the world, Ecuadorian students can also study at Bahçeşehir University and will be very pleased to do so. Following the speeches, President Correa was presented with an honorary doctorate and a miniature representing a column of the Hagia Sophia Museum.