Our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is in New York City, United States (USA) to attend the 73rd General Assembly meetings of the United Nations (UN), addressed the guests at a dinner organized by the TURKEN Foundation, which is a partner organization of the Ensar Foundation in the USA.

The TURKEN Foundation dinner held at the Mandarin Hotel in New York was attended by TÜRGEV Chairman Dr. Fatmanur Altun, TURKEN Foundation President Behram Turan, executives of the Ensar Foundation, board members of the foundations, prominent businessmen from the Turkish and Turkish-American communities, community leaders, and representatives of civil society organizations.

President Erdoğan stated that TURKEN, the representative of the deep-rooted Turkish foundation tradition in the USA, not only contributes to the academic, social, and scientific development of students coming from Turkey but also serves as a fertile platform to strengthen the collaborations between Turkish and American civil society organizations.

"TURKEN IS BUILDING NEW HUMAN BRIDGES BETWEEN TURKEY AND AMERICA"

Expressing that TURKEN has established new human bridges between Turkey and the USA through the projects it has implemented and the contacts it has made, President Erdoğan stated that he believes the foundation will make its name more known in various fields of civil society in the USA in the coming period, and congratulated the foundation's veterans for their services. Indicating that no success is presented to a person on a golden tray, President Erdoğan remarked that it is easy to complain and criticize injustices, troubles, and oppressions, saying, "What is difficult is to take even small, simple steps towards solving the issues we criticize. The matter is to light a candle that will pierce the darkness instead of just being angry at it." President Erdoğan noted that Turkish history is full of examples where seemingly insignificant efforts at the beginning have turned into works that guide humanity, saying, "A mosque, a madrasa, a fountain, a soup kitchen, or sometimes a caravanserai built along the road has served people for centuries. That is why it is very important in our culture to do good deeds and leave behind works that will be remembered with goodness."

"TURKEN HAS BECOME THE PRIDE OF OUR COUNTRY WITH ITS ACTIVITIES"

Pointing out that our ancestors took it upon themselves to solve all the difficulties they faced in social and human life instead of waiting for the state to do so, President Erdoğan continued his remarks: "Yes, just like our ancestors did for centuries, TURKEN, which was initiated by a handful of people with pure intentions to do good, promote peace, and foster cooperation and solidarity, has truly reached a commendable position today. The sapling planted in this land four years ago with the words 'bismillah' has now taken root and started to bear fruit. In defiance of those lowlifes who sell their souls for a dollar, TURKEN has become the pride of our country with its activities. It has particularly signed important projects in the field of overseas education, which has been plagued by FETÖ traitors for many years."

In his speech, addressing the young people studying in the USA, President Erdoğan said, "You are not only the hope of your families and us but also of millions of people around the world who are waiting for justice in different corners of the globe," and advised the youth to study well in their lessons, appreciate the opportunities presented to them, and seek ways to develop their social aspects.

President Erdoğan advised the youth to walk patiently, not forgetting that the steps taken today and the friendships they establish will bear fruit many years later, and expressed his expectation that after completing their education, they would return to their countries in a much more equipped manner and contribute to Turkey's development efforts.