Türkiye Launches First Consuls General Conference to Strengthen Diplomacy and Citizen Services

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan opened Türkiye’s first Consuls General Conference in Ankara to improve consular services, strengthen diaspora ties, and enhance digital and diplomatic operations. He highlighted citizen protection, election participation abroad, and combating hate crimes, while honoring diplomats’ dedication.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan inaugurated Türkiye’s first-ever Consuls General Conference in Ankara, gathering leading diplomats to discuss the future of the country’s consular services and diplomatic initiatives. He stated on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal on Thursday that the conference, themed “Consulates General in Our Foreign Policy Vision,” aims to improve the quality of services provided to Turkish citizens abroad and to define strategic objectives for the upcoming period.

Fidan highlighted that the event, organized in collaboration with various ministries and partner institutions supporting Turkish communities overseas, will provide a comprehensive assessment of consular operations and identify opportunities for enhancement. The conference features regional and thematic sessions covering the economy, public diplomacy, culture, education, migration, and digital transformation, all key areas for Türkiye’s consuls general. He expressed hope that the conference will be beneficial for the state, the nation, and citizens living abroad.

Emphasizing Türkiye’s growing diplomatic footprint, Fidan noted that enhancing institutional processes and strengthening coordination remain top priorities for the ministry. He said Türkiye operates 263 diplomatic missions, ranking third worldwide, and is preparing to open its 264th. The country also maintains 99 consulates general—the largest global consular network—with nearly 2,000 personnel serving citizens overseas. Including legal advisers and attaches, this number is even higher. Fidan highlighted progress in digital transformation, noting that Türkiye ranks among the top countries globally in e-government and e-notification applications, reflecting significant advancements in online consular services and digital infrastructure.

Fidan also underscored the importance of enabling citizens abroad to participate in elections, a right introduced in 2014. During the 2023 presidential and general elections, nearly 2 million citizens voted across 151 missions in 73 countries and 16 additional cities. He stressed that Türkiye interprets consular protection broadly, pointing out that the 24/7 consular call centre, operating in nine languages, handles over 2,000 calls daily, serving as a critical support system during crises, disasters, and evacuations.

The minister encouraged consuls general to strengthen ties with Turkish civil society organizations overseas and to support the social and economic development of the Turkish diaspora. He emphasized that consuls general should act as unifying figures, ensuring that the Turkish state’s support is visible in every community. Addressing rising hate crimes in Western countries, Fidan condemned attacks targeting Turkish citizens, mosques, and cultural institutions. Since 2023, he said, more than 750 racially motivated, xenophobic, and Islamophobic incidents have been recorded, adding that combating hate crimes is both a political and moral responsibility, essential to defending the dignity and security of Turkish citizens worldwide.

Fidan also highlighted the role of consulates in strengthening political, commercial, and cultural ties, including sister-city partnerships and support for cultural and sports initiatives. He praised the dedication of Turkish diplomats, acknowledging the sacrifices they make in representing the nation and defending its interests across a vast geography, and honored those who lost their lives in service to Türkiye.