International graduates gather for iftar meal in Ankara

By Gozde Bayar

ANKARA (AA) – Alumni from more than 30 countries who graduated from Turkish universities have gathered in the Turkish capital Ankara at an iftar dinner, for the breaking of the fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Speaking at the event late Tuesday, organizer Ergash Jumayev, head of the International Alumni Association of Turkey (TUMED), said the alumni are the bridge between their own countries and Turkey.

"International graduates are volunteer ambassadors of Turkey to their own countries," he said.

He added that the graduates have the responsibility to strengthen bilateral, trilateral and multilateral relations between their countries and Turkey.

"Turkey is our second home."

Metin Mutanoglu, Anadolu Agency’s deputy director-general and editor-in-chief, highlighted Turkey's potential in the education sector.

"Turkey has the potential to grow faster. We have to do our best to utilize this potential in every sector."

He said he also hoped that Turkey would get momentum in the months and years to come, as the country will not face any elections over the next four years.

"As graduates, you also can support development in your own countries as well as in Turkey, from the positions you are working in."