Nineteen newly graduated diplomats from the Diplomatic Institute of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited Edirne this week as part of their professional internship program aimed at enhancing diplomatic experience and cross-border cooperation.
The delegation was received by Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer at the Governor’s Office. Following a brief video presentation introducing Edirne, Governor Sezer welcomed the Bulgarian guests and expressed his appreciation for the visit, emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties between neighboring countries.
Sezer presented souvenirs to the delegation, including Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute, who in return gifted the governor a book highlighting Bulgaria’s cultural heritage.
The diplomats also met with Ambassador Murat Ahmet Yörük, Head of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Edirne Representation Office.
During his address, Ambassador Yörük underscored that the world is currently undergoing a period of uncertainty marked by the erosion of universal values and the reconfiguration of global power dynamics.
“If we examine recent developments closely, we are clearly witnessing a transition toward a multipolar international system,” he said. “Unfortunately, during this process, the principles of international law and the mechanisms that sustain them are increasingly being weakened and rendered ineffective.”
Ambassador Yörük stressed that Türkiye follows global developments from a 360-degree perspective, adopting a balanced and multidimensional foreign policy approach.
Referring to Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, who once served as a military attaché in Sofia, Yörük said that Türkiye’s foreign policy continues to be guided by Atatürk’s enduring principle: “Peace at home, peace in the world.”
“In the centennial year of our Republic, we are building upon this vision through the ‘Century of Türkiye’ perspective outlined by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,” he added. “Under the leadership of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Turkish diplomacy continues to prioritize peace, prosperity, and a humanitarian, conscience-driven approach — first within our region, and then globally.”
Yörük also noted that relations between Türkiye and Bulgaria have advanced significantly over the past decade, based on mutual respect, friendship, and alliance within NATO and the European framework.
Commitment to stronger bilateral cooperation
Radoslava Kafeciyska, Bulgaria’s Consul General in Edirne, praised Ambassador Yörük, describing him as “an experienced diplomat and an exemplary figure for young professionals.”
At the end of the meeting, Institute Director Mihaylova presented a commemorative gift to Ambassador Yörük. The visit concluded with a reception featuring traditional Turkish delicacies, hosted at the Ministry’s Representation Office.
The Bulgarian delegation is scheduled to return home on Sunday, October 26, after visiting several of Edirne’s historic and cultural landmarks, including Ottoman-era monuments and local heritage sites.
Source: haberbg.net
