Prime Minister of Republic of Turkey Binali Yıldırım who was in Bosnia and Herzegovina for an official visit had a with IUS students and academic staff at the university. Delegation was welcomed by the by president of Foundation for Education Development Sarajevo (SEDEF), Mr. Hasan Topaloğlu, IUS Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Metin Toprak and faculty deans. After the welcoming ceremony that Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dr. Denis Zvizdić joined, the delegation attended dance show prepared by pupils from Foundation’s Primary School “Isa-beg Ishaković” in foyer area of the university. PM Binali Yıldırım had a photo taken with these students.
PM Binali Yıldırım was informed about SEDEF and its institutions, kindergarten, primary school, “Maarif Koledž” High School, university and future plans of these institutions by the president of SEDEF Mr. Hasan Topaloğlu and IUS Acting Rector Pr. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım. President of SEDEF Mr. Topaloğlu emphasized that their goal is to provide continuous education from kindergarden to PhD and the role of foundation in fight against FETÖ. After the meeting, PM Binali Yıldırım and the delegation came together with students, academic staff and guests.
After the opening speech delivered by IUS Acting Rector Pr. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dr. Denis Zvizdić talked about the importance of IUS for Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and quality of SEDEF in the education.
PM Binali Yıldırım said that this was his second visit to IUS and it is one of the institutions that develop the hidden civilization in Bosnia and Herzegovina and expands the tolerance. He, also, mentioned that even though it is not an old university, there are a lot of things to be proud of. He continued his speech: “University is located in one place, but it looks for what is universal. It does not talk about only the society that it is in, but also addresses to the whole world through universal concepts and values. International University of Sarajevo continues to serve its historic accumulation and values for a better and more peaceful world.” He said that SEDEF, founding body of university, continues its education from primary school to high school, and they work hard in order to provide a good education for people who live in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“FETÖ and its member are active in education mostly. It will take years to decrease their influence in this field. When we asked our Bosnian brothers to close these schools we sow an alternative way. Here we have example of SEDEF. We believe that both of the countries will be careful about the construction of FETÖ not to harm our brotherhood”, said PM Binali Yıldırım.
“I suggest students who study in this university located in such a beautiful country to be more curious, to read more and to learn at least two foreign languages. Also, I ask you to create a wide perspective through information you learn from your curriculum, from news and history”, advised PM Binali Yıldırım.
After his speech, PM Binali Yıldırım recieved a picture of Sebilj which is the symbol of Sarajevo by IUS Acting Rector Pr. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım. The delegation that included Deputy Prime Minister Recep Akdağ, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Economy Nihat Zeybekçi, Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Ahmet Arslan, Director of Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş, AKP Group Deputy Chairman Mustafa Elitaş and Ambassador of Republic of Turkey in Bosnia and Herzegovina Haldun Koç departed from IUS afterwards.
