Foreign envoys visit Akdamar Island in Lake Van in eastern Turkey

By Mesut Varol

VAN, Turkey (AA) - A total of 150 ambassadors and diplomats as well as their families visited Akdamar Island and Akdamar Church on Tuesday -- symbols of Lake Van in eastern Turkey.

Envoys from 68 countries, including Russia, Iran, Iraq, South Korea, Azerbaijan, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Belgium, Colombia, Latvia, India, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, are in Turkey to attend a two-day event hosted by the Van Governorship and the Metropolitan Municipality.

Guests will visit historical and touristic sites and will attend celebrations in the Ahlat district of Bitlis province and Manzikert of Mus province, according to Deputy Mayor of the Van Metropolitan Municipality Mehmet Emin Bilmez.

"During the travel, we will try to introduce our geography, culture and the Lake ​​Van to the visitors. We are trying to introduce our region to the whole world through our guests," Bilmez told reporters.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Ambassador to Ankara Adis Alagic said: "We came to Van for the first time. First impressions are very positive. We were very impressed with Van, we liked it very much. Lake Van and the geography are wonderful. Its historical beauties are very well preserved."

Kazakh Ambassador to Ankara Abzal Saparbekuly said: "Akdamar is a very rich place in terms of both the civilization of religions and the civilization of nations. It is both a touristic and historical place, we liked it very much."

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz