Scholarship program betters Turkey-UK ties: Consul

By Muhammed Ali Gurtas

ANKARA (AA) - The U.K. government’s flagship scholarship scheme, the Chevening Program, is also a long-term investment to develop closer and stronger ties between the U.K. and Turkey, according to British Consul General to Istanbul on Thursday.

Chevening provides scholarships for Turkish nationals "to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any U.K. university".

"The program started in Turkey in 1988 and we have over 2,000 alumni in Turkey -- our biggest program in Europe," Speaking at a panel discussion on women in business, Judith Slate, according to a statement from the consulate.

"Last year we have selected 25 scholars that are about to finish their studies in the U.K.," she said. "For us this is not just a scholarship award; it is also a long-term investment by the U.K. government to develop closer and stronger ties between our countries."

The consulate stated that the panel discussion was hosted with the participation of prominent businesspeople and Chevening alumni in Turkey.

"I think the presence of our long-term Chevening alumni friends here today is proof of this great network and our willingness to increase our engagement with them," Slater said.

The consulate said that four Turkish businesswomen attended the panel discussion-- Elvan Hamidoglu from Celebi Aviation Holding, Pelin Akin Ozalp from Akfen Holding, Sanem Oktar from Women’s Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey (KAGIDER) and Sitare Sezgin from private lender Akbank.

“Today, we want to look at ways to encourage women’s greater participation in the labor market," Slater said. "Women’s rights are a top priority of our prime minister, Theresa May, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote in the U.K."