Albania was the latest host of the “Media Meetings” program series by the Yunus Emre Institute, organized with the aim of fostering media cooperation between Türkiye and other countries, thereby enhancing international relations within the media landscape.

The program, hosted in the capital city of Tirana, was attended by various dignitaries including Tayyar Kağan Atay, Turkish Ambassador to Tirana; Melih Barut, PhD, Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute Cultural Diplomacy Academy; Ömer Osman Demirbaş, Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute in Albania, as well as representatives from prominent Turkish media outlets such as Anadolu Agency, Daily Sabah, Habertürk, Haber Global, Milliyet, Sabah, Türkiye Newspaper, and TV100. Additionally, distinguished representatives from reputable media organizations in Albania were also in attendance.

The program, attended by Seyhan Pencaplıgil, General Manager of BTK Bank, and Prof. Lindita Xhanari Latifi as honorary speakers, commenced with opening remarks by Tayyar Kağan Atay,Turkish Ambassador to Tirana. 

“We have a rich shared history”

Tayyar Kağan Atay,Turkish Ambassador to Tirana said, “I extend my gratitude to the Yunus Emre Institute for organizing the Türkiye-Albania Media Meetings program. The Turkish and Albanian peoples are two great nations that have journeyed together for centuries. We have a rich shared history. This human and social connection is significant and invaluable. We do not share such a bond with every nation, therefore, we should cherish it. We share common values, even common names.”

Atay added, “After the establishment of the young Republic, one of our earliest diplomatic endeavors was the signing of a friendship agreement with Albania on December 15, 1923, marking a century of continuous diplomatic relations. Last year, the two nations commemorated the centennial anniversary of their diplomatic ties through a series of celebratory events.”

In his address, Ömer Osman Demirbaş, the Coordinator of Yunus Emre Institute in Albania, conveyed his pleasure at hosting the program that welcomed media representatives from Türkiye and Albania, expressing confidence that the initiative would fortify the relations between the two countries.

During his presentation, Melih Barut, PhD, Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute Cultural Diplomacy Academy, highlighted the diverse array of activities undertaken by the Institute since its inception in 2009. He emphasized the Institute’s commitment to embodying the timeless teachings of Yunus Emre as its guiding principle across various global regions.

Seyhan Pencaplıgil, General Manager of BTK Bank and the program’s honorary speaker, addressed the commercial relations between the two countries, noting, “The two countries share many similarities. I’ve been here for quite some time, and I’ve never felt like a stranger.”

Prof. Lindita Xhanari Latifi, another honorary speaker, discussed the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education and culture, saying, “Türkiye and Albania share a common history and culture.   The Türkiye-Albania Media Meetings program holds great significance. We are all witnessing the strengthening of relations between the two countries over the years.”

“Wherever there are Turks, there is a representative office of the Institute”

Yavuz Donat, Türkiye’s media doyen, remarked, “This is my first visit to Albania. A profound historical and cultural bond exists between the two nations. I would like to congratulate the Yunus Emre Institute. Wherever there are Turks, there is a representative office of the Institute. This fact fills us with immense pride.”

Media’s Crucial Role in Inter-Country Relations Highlighted

Throughout the remainder of the program, media representatives assessed the role of media in shaping international relations, covering various topics.

The Türkiye-Albania Media Meetings concluded with a commemorative photo captured by esteemed media representatives from both countries.