Doha, 28 March 2024 (QT)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

Ambassador of Turkiye to Qatar HE Dr Mustafa Goksu has praised members of academia and researchers for shaping countries’ future and building individuals capable of shouldering responsibilities.

He was addressing members of the academic community, experts from research centres, and faculty members from universities operating in Qatar at an annual iftar dinner hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye, at his official residence recently.

The Turkish envoy, in his welcoming address, extended his congratulations on the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan. Dr Goksu acknowledged the noble services undertaken by them as professors and faculty members in the society. “To equip individuals with knowledge, hone students’ talents with wisdom and experience, and combat ignorance and stubbornness with scientific evidence and logical reasoning, is the greatest duty,” he noted. In a world filled with ongoing crises, scientific research becomes essential in understanding the scene, analyzing the situation, and revealing the truth,” he added.

HE Dr Mustafa Goksu said that “This places even greater responsibility on your shoulders at research centres, which tackle societal issues, engage with reality, and provide experts and decision-makers with the necessary information to shape public policies, develop developmental plans, and solve political and social crises.

‘All of this is at the core of your work, which is indispensable for nations and governments when they adhere to wise governance in front of their peoples, who have placed their trust in their political leadership and executive authorities,” the envoy added.

Talking about development in the education and research sectors in Turkiye, he said Türkiye places utmost importance on global education and scientific research. Turkish universities and research centres, he said, have witnessed significant development in recent decades, contributing to the construction and development of Türkiye’s modern industrial system, enhancing its social prosperity, and bridging communication with the world through various programs for international students, as well as scientific and academic cooperation with various universities and research centres worldwide.

He said that the number of Turkish universities have increased from 74 in 1980 to 207 in 2023. The number of students enrolled in Turkish universities are increased from 240,000 in 1980 to nearly 2 million in 2023. The quality of education in Turkish universities has also significantly improved, with some Turkish universities ranking high in international rankings. Opportunities for international cooperation between Turkish universities and universities worldwide have also increased, he added.

Talking about the importance of research centres and the steps taken by the Turkish government, he said that research centres have increased from 40 in 1980 to more than 1,000 centres in 2023, covering various scientific, social, and humanitarian disciplines. Government funding for scientific research has also increased significantly.

Talking about the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, where the Israeli occupation continues its massacre, affecting humans and buildings, he hoped for an end to the war, allowing the Palestinian people to enjoy their eternal right to an independent state that meets the aspirations of its generations.

He said, “The complexity of the crisis resulting from the war increases our responsibilities in diplomatic, scientific, and academic communication to clarify the situation to the world, especially the research and academic community, which contributes to decision-making in various influential countries.”

Dr Goksu said that Türkiye has hosted researchers and university students from Gaza, “and we are working at the Turkish Embassy to solve their problems and ensure they enjoy a stable academic life, so they can return to their homeland and contribute to its reconstruction, armed with the necessary knowledge and experience to achieve this noble goal”.

Turkish envoy affirmed that Turkiye would continue to do what it must, and “we will do our utmost to facilitate the lives of our brothers suffering from the war, put an end to this great humanitarian tragedy, and bring the perpetrators to international justice. We all hope to witness an immediate cessation of the war in Gaza shortly”.

He especially thanked the sponsors of the evening – HBK and Referans.