April 11, 2025
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Ecuador, a comprehensive series of academic events was organized in three different cities of Ecuador between 3-7 April 2025 under the coordination of the Embassy of Türkiye in Quito and with the active contributions of Turkish Maarif Foundation. The program was hosted by Universidad de Los Andes (UNIANDES) in Ambato, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA) in Quito and Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo (UEES) in Guayaquil.
These events stood out as an exemplary public diplomacy activity aiming to deepen the relations between the two countries not only at the diplomatic level but also at the social and cultural layers.
Delivering the opening speech of the program, Başak Yalçın, Ambassador of Türkiye to Ecuador, stated that Türkiye's foreign policy towards Latin America is based on cooperation based on mutual respect and equality, and said: "Turkish Maarif Foundation is the flag-bearer of our country in the field of international education. Its work in Ecuador and throughout Latin America is extremely valuable not only academically but also in terms of cultural rapprochement. For its strong contribution to the 75th anniversary events, I sincerely thank the Maarif Foundation."
Representing Turkish Maarif Foundation at the events, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öner Buçukcu evaluated Türkiye's position in the regional and global system in his conference and said: "Türkiye's foreign policy is gaining strength with an understanding that puts people at the center and emphasizes solidarity and justice. The expression ‘the world is bigger than five’ is the most striking symbol of this approach. Turkish Maarif Foundation is the reflection of this vision in education. Our Foundation implements a fair and multicultural education approach that is worthy of human dignity in 52 countries around the world. It is an institution that not only opens schools but also creates knowledge and value together with local communities."
In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Roch Charles Little analyzed the historical stance of the Ottoman Empire against imperialist structures and the effects of Turcophobic approaches shaped in the West on the present day. Little stated that this historical perspective provides an important background for understanding Türkiye's alternative stance in the international system today.
The fact that the events were held not only in the capital Quito, but also in other cities such as Ambato and Guayaquil demonstrated that Türkiye's recognition in Ecuador has a wide geographical reach. The question and answer sessions with participating students and academics gave the event a two-way academic depth.
The program also included sections enriched with cultural elements such as the Turkish coffee experience and the presentation of Turkish scholarships.
On the occasion of the events, Turkish Maarif Foundation and the host universities also exchanged contacts and views on future educational and research cooperation. The parties expressed their openness to consider cooperation opportunities in various fields that could form the basis for joint projects and exchange programs in the future.
Through programs of this nature, Turkish Maarif Foundation will continue to promote the production of knowledge about Türkiye in Latin America, to establish permanent cooperation in the axis of education and culture, and to build bridges of friendship between different societies.
