28 March 2016- The Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO), as part of its ongoing strategic initiative to expand its range of program partnerships, has concluded discussions with a high-level delegation from the Republic of Turkey aimed at identifying opportunities for cooperation in the field of diaspora engagement.
The Turkish delegation was led by Associate Professor Dr. Kudret Bulbul; Head of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities; a government agency within the Prime Ministry of the Republic of Turkey. The delegation was accompanied by His Excellency Fatih Ulusoy, Ambassador of Turkey to Ethiopia; as well experts and representatives from the government of Turkey.
CIDO was represented by the Head of the Diaspora Division and Acting Director Mr. Ahmed Elbasheer, the Head of the Civil Society Division Ambassador Jalel Chelba, Policy Officer Mr. Kyeretwie Osei and the Deputy Presiding Officer of the Economic Cultural and Social Council (ECOSOCC) Madame Fatma Karadja.
In his remarks, Prof. Bulbul emphasized the importance of diaspora engagement for Turkey, which has a diaspora population of over 10 million people. He briefed the CIDO delegation on the various programs and initiatives through which the government of Turkey engages with its diaspora; and highlighted the readiness of his agency to collaborate with the African Union Commission, through CIDO, on mutually-beneficial diaspora engagement priorities.
The CIDO delegation welcomed the interest of the Turkish delegation and affirmed its commitment to strategic partnerships that enhance diaspora participation in the African Union and advances the socio-economic progress of AU member states.
The meeting discussed a number of areas in which the two sides could work in cooperation; including research, capacity-building of civil society and diaspora organizations, leadership training and promotion of cultural activities.
It was further agreed that the two sides would collaborate over the short term on opening up access to educational scholarships to the African diaspora through the Turkiye Scholarships Program.