ANKARA: Awards ceremony for the fifth edition of ‘Jinnah Young Writers Awards’, essay competition was held today in Ankara. Turkish Deputy Minister for National Education, Prof. Dr Petek Askar was the chief guest while participating students, academicians, diplomats and various heads of Department of Education also attended the event, says a Press release.
Named after Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, the essay competition is one of the key features of Pakistan Embassy public diplomacy initiatives. The essay competition is held annually among senior high school students of Turkey. Theme for the 5th round of competition was ‘Past, Present and Future of Pakistan-Turkey Brotherly Relations’.
Speaking on the occasion, Turkish Deputy Minister for National Education of Turkey, Prof. Dr. Petek Askar said that it was our duty to strengthen the bridge of brotherhood and friendship that our ancestors built in the past. Joint initiatives, as Jinnah Young Writers Award aimed at further deepening of cooperation in education and cementing bonds of friendship between both countries.
The deputy minister highlighted that Pakistani students studying in Turkey and Turkish Maarif Foundation schools in Pakistan were reflective of growing cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in the field of education.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey Syrus Sajjad Qazi stated that this year Pakistan and Turkey were celebrating 75 years of bilateral diplomatic relations between the two countries and the award ceremony of the 5th edition of Jinnah Young Writers Competition marked another delightful moment in the beautiful journey of friendship and brotherhood.
The ambassador reiterated that Jinnah greatly admired statesmanship, courage and foresight of the Turkish leadership and valour of its people. He played a pivotal role in reinforcing the eternal bonds of brotherhood and friendship between the two countries. Taking forward the legacy of our ancestors, the vision of the leadership in both countries would remain to transform this historic relationship into strong strategic partnership – encompassing all fields of human endeavour especially in the field of education and culture.
Kader Uluduz, from 88 Yil Cumhuriyet Anadolu Lisesi Trabzon clinched first position, the second prize went to Ibrahim Donmez of Karlisu Sosyal Bilimler Lisesi Hatay and Nida Nur Ozmen of Selcuklu Anadolu Lisesi Konya secured the third position.
Masallah Demir from Camhbel Sehit Kamil Yelmen Anadolu Lisesi Adana, Cemre Tuana ATA of Merkez Ozel Batman Sinav Koleji Batman and Ezgi Gocer of Atakent IMKB Meleksi ve Teknik Anadolu Lisesi Adana were awarded ‘Honourable Mention’.
