Yunus Emre Institute hosted a program in Romania as part of its “Media Meetings” initiative, aimed at fostering intercultural interaction and communication across diverse global regions.

The “Türkiye-Romania Media Meetings” program, hosted at a hotel in Bucharest, saw the participation of distinguished figures including Özgür Kıvanç Altan, Turkish Ambassador to Bucharest; Melih Barut, PhD, Coordinator of Yunus Emre Institute Cultural Diplomacy Academy; Mustafa Yıldız, Coordinator of Yunus Emre Institute in Romania; Nicolae Georgescu, MP and President of the Romania-Türkiye Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group; Madalina Corina Diaconu, Secretary General of the Romanian Union of Journalists; along with representatives from prominent media organizations of Türkiye and Romania.

“At Yunus Emre Institute, our mission is to cultivate enduring bonds of the heart in the countries where we operate”

In his opening speech, Mustafa Yıldız, Coordinator of Yunus Emre Institute in Romania, remarked, “We are delighted to host the Media Meetings program in Bucharest, joining its global itinerary across various regions. At Yunus Emre Institute, our mission is to cultivate enduring bonds of the heart in the countries where we operate. In this program, we will begin by familiarizing ourselves with our esteemed media colleagues, following Yunus Emre’s motto of ‘Let us get to know one another,’ and subsequently explore potential collaborations within the media landscape.”

Özgür Kıvanç Altan, Turkish Ambassador to Bucharest, acknowledged the longstanding cooperation between the two countries, saying, “Firstly, I would like to thank the Yunus Emre Institute for organizing this invaluable event. Over the 146 years since Romania gained independence in 1878, the relationship between Türkiye and Romania has consistently remained highly positive. Today, our relations have advanced significantly further.”

“Fostering contact and dialogue within the media realm holds immense value”

Ambassador Özgür Kıvanç Altan added, “The relationship between the two countries has never been stronger. Fostering contact and dialogue within the media realm holds immense value. I extend my congratulations to the media representatives from Türkiye and Romania who are attending this event.”

“Today, we gather here to forge bonds of the heart”

Melih Barut, PhD, Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute Cultural Diplomacy Academy, noted, “We take pride in coming together with esteemed media professionals from Romania and Türkiye in this meaningful endeavor.  Today, we gather here to forge bonds of the heart. Through our programs conducted in various countries, we aim to broaden our shared cultural foundation for the benefit of future generations.”

Melih Barut, PhD provided insights into the initiatives and projects of Yunus Emre Institute, Türkiye’s premier cultural diplomacy institution, dedicated to showcasing Turkish culture on the global stage and promoting the Turkish language across diverse regions worldwide.

“We are all aware of the influential role that media plays in enhancing relations between nations”

Nicolae Georgescu, MP and President of the Romania-Türkiye Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, discussed potential cooperation between the two countries in the media sector, saying, “Partnerships across various fields are reinforcing the relationship between Türkiye and Romania. We are all aware of the influential role that media plays in enhancing relations between nations.”

“Yunus Emre Institute is the Contemporary ‘alperens’ of our time”

Yavuz Donat, Türkiye’s media doyen, reminisced about his first visit to Romania in 1989 and shared his impressions of the country, and went on to add, “The Yunus Emre Institute is the Contemporary ‘alperens’ (torchbearers, leaders) of our time. ‘Alperens,’ dispersed across the globe, embody the essence of philosophical wisdom. In this century, the Yunus Emre Institute is championing the promotion of Turkish language and culture worldwide.”

Madalina Corina Diaconu, Secretary General of the Romanian Union of Journalists, noted, “As the Romanian Union of Journalists, we keep our doors open to all. Today, we have embarked on the journey of acquaintance. I hope that in the future, various initiatives will be undertaken to foster collaboration. I am confident that our partnership has already begun.”

Assessing Relations Between Türkiye and Romania: Perspectives from Both Countries

During the Bucharest program of the “Media Meetings,” designed to bolster international relations through media collaboration, discussions centered on the role of media in shaping international affairs. Participants offered insights into the Türkiye-Romania relations from both Turkish and Romanian perspectives.

The Türkiye-Romania Media Meetings concluded following a group photo session to commemorate the event.