Great Britain

President Abdullah Gül along with First Lady Hayrünnisa Gül paid a visit to Great Britain to collect the Chatham House Prize 2010 and a scroll signed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to conduct some official talks from November 6-9.

The First Couple were welcomed by Baroness Rawlings on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II; the Turkish Ambassador to London, Ünal Çeviköz and other officials, at Heathrow Airport. They later met with the Turkish expatriates residing in Great Britain during a reception thrown by Turkey’s Ambassador to London, Ünal Çeviköz, at the Turkish Embassy.

On the second day of his visit, President Gül, lecturing at both Chatham House and Oxford University’s Center for Islamic Studies, attended a dinner along with the First Lady.

GÜL CHOSEN STATESMAN OF THE YEAR

The First Couple, both exploring the Mimar Sinan (Sinan the Architect) Exhibition held at the Royal Institute for the British Architects, and attending the opening ceremony of the Yunus Emre Culture Center on November 9, met with Her Magesty Queen Elizabeth II at Banqueting House, where the President was presented with the 2010 Statesman of the Year Award from Chatham House, home of the Royal Institute of International Relations, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during a ceremony. Having attended the ceremony and the dinner given afterwards, the First Couple left London for Ankara.

FIRST LADY AND TURKISH STUDENTS IN GREAT BRITAIN

The First Lady met with 35 Turkish students continuing their graduate and post graduate studies in this country, sharing her happiness to be with them.

“YOU ARE OUR INVISIBLE FACES HERE”

The First Lady, hoping to see more Turkish students studying in Great Britain, stated: “You are our invisible faces here. You are the mirrors of our country. You are the bridge between Turkey and the countries you are studying in. There may be times when you face mishaps and hardships, but your targets should always be high and keep the bar high. I know this through my own children; you can experience problems during your studies. Nevertheless, bear in mind that all the problems you may face can be overcome.”

“THE EDUCATION OF GIRLS MATTERS TO ME VERY MUCH”

“I am here with you as a mother rather than as a First Lady,” said Mrs. Gül informed her audience about the activities under her aegis pertinent to students and the education of girls particularly to which she said she attaches great importance, adding that all demands towards this issue are followed closely and regularly and resolved.

“WE CAN TURN TURKISH IMMIGRATION INTO TURKISH POWER”

There are opportunities and amenities in Turkey for those returning to the country after completing their education abroad so that they can serve it, the first Lady declared, saying: “We can turn Turkish immigration into Turkish power. You are lucky as Turkey is much different today where anyone doing their job and completing their education well is provided with every opportunity and amenity.”

During the Q&A session, the First Lady drew attention to the fact that Turkey has wasted energy on trivial matters especially on the headscarf issue. “However, all of such issues are being resolved. This very problem will be overcome soon, I hope.”