The Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia and Minister for Inter-Community Relations, Ivan Stoilković, received representatives of non-governmental organizations, business leaders, and media members from Türkiye. The working meeting was regarded as an important diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening the historical friendship, cultural ties, and shared vision for the future between Türkiye and North Macedonia.
Also present at the meeting was Ercan Sözen, Special Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Inter-Community Relations of Türkiye. Participants included Filiz Şahin, President of the World Businesswomen Cooperation, Education, Art, Culture and Health Association (DÜKADER); Vice President and businesswoman Serpil Ekinci; businesswoman Nakşiye İlmek; and Adil Koçalan, Vice President of the Turkish Internet Media Union and President of Istanbul Media Group.
Held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, the meeting focused on potential joint projects in the fields of culture, media, education, economy, and social solidarity. Both sides emphasized the importance of further strengthening the brotherly ties between Türkiye and North Macedonia, particularly throughout the Balkan region.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Ivan Stoilković provided information about the activities carried out by the Ministry for Inter-Community Relations, emphasizing the importance of promoting mutual understanding and a shared culture of coexistence among different communities. He underlined that preserving the multicultural structure of the Balkans plays a critical role in maintaining regional peace and stability.
During the meeting, Stoilković also highlighted the role of the media as a strong bridge between societies, stating:
“Media is extremely important. Your presence here, recording and documenting these meetings, is highly valuable for us as well. We are ready to provide all the support we can.”
His remarks were seen as particularly significant in terms of expanding the visibility of the friendship between Türkiye and North Macedonia through media cooperation.
Speaking during the meeting, Adil Koçalan, Vice President of the Turkish Internet Media Union and President of Istanbul Media Group, stated that the Turkish Internet Media Union has a strong organizational presence across all 81 provinces of Türkiye and in 25 countries worldwide. He noted that international media activities are being carried out through the Union News Agency.
Koçalan emphasized that the Balkans are not merely a geographical region for Türkiye, but also a spiritual and cultural landscape shaped by shared history, heritage, and brotherhood. He stated:
“We do not view the Balkans solely through a political or economic lens. These lands carry the traces of our shared history, the legacy of our ancestors, and our deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood. Strengthening the fraternal relationship between Türkiye and the Balkans is a shared responsibility for all of us.”
Koçalan further stated that the Turkish community living in the Balkans represents one of the strongest symbols of friendship between the two nations. He underlined that media diplomacy plays an essential role in strengthening ties among peoples and noted that partnerships in culture, media, economy, and social projects could create a new spirit of solidarity throughout the Balkan region.
The meeting, held as part of the Balkan visit of Turkish businesswomen organized under the leadership of Adil Koçalan, was described as highly productive. Important messages were delivered regarding new cooperation opportunities in the areas of women’s entrepreneurship, media diplomacy, cultural interaction, and social development projects.
Filiz Şahin, President of DÜKADER, also emphasized that the ties between the Balkans and Türkiye go far beyond diplomatic relations, stating that shared history, culture, and heartfelt connections make the region unique.
In her speech, Şahin stated:
“The Balkans are an important part of our shared memory, cultural heritage, and brotherhood. We place great importance on international cooperation for a future where women have a stronger role in social, cultural, and economic life. We aim to bring Türkiye’s strong culture of solidarity together with more effective projects throughout the Balkans. We believe that bridges to be established especially in women’s entrepreneurship, education, gastronomy, and cultural diplomacy will further strengthen friendship between societies.”
Observers note that relations between Türkiye and North Macedonia have gained significant momentum in recent years, particularly in the fields of culture, trade, education, and media. Such diplomatic engagements are considered highly valuable in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the peoples of the two countries. The Turkish community living in North Macedonia is also regarded as one of the strongest representatives of this friendship.
The meeting concluded with the exchange of commemorative plaques and group photographs, while the messages of unity, solidarity, cooperation, and a shared future stood out as the most meaningful highlights of the day.
