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The Union of International Democrats (UID) hosted a public gathering in Cologne under the theme “A Journey of Heart from Türkiye to the World,” drawing attention to the achievements of Turks living abroad.
AK Party Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala emphasized that Turkish citizens living overseas have made notable contributions in economic fields but should also play more active roles in political and civil society arenas.
Ala noted that the dual citizenship recognized in Germany is a right but also carries responsibilities.
“Contributing to the societies we live in and helping those countries develop, also means contributing to Türkiye,” he said.
AK Party Deputy Chairman Zafer Sirakaya highlighted that of the nearly 7.5 million Turks living abroad, about 5.5 million reside in Europe, most of them in Germany.
He said Türkiye had long been preoccupied with its internal issues and could not sufficiently engage with its citizens abroad, but that this approach changed in the last 23 years toward “a state that exists for its people.”
The event brought together members of the Turkish community and officials, underscoring the growing role of diaspora engagement in strengthening relations between Türkiye and European countries.
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