Boğaziçi University hosts globally influential figures from various fields as part of the Boğaziçi Lectures. This platform emphasizes in-depth exploration of academic and scientific topics with the aim of opening new perspectives and promoting meaningful dialogs by addressing the challenges facing Türkiye and the world.
In this context, Dr. Hulusi Akar, Chairman of the National Defense Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and Boğaziçi Fellow in Global Studies, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Qatar, Dr. Khalid Bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, were guests on June 7. The lecture was followed by a question and answer session with prominent journalists, experts, academics and students who attended the program.
“BOĞAZİÇİ UNIVERSITY WILL CONTINUE TO BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE”
In his opening speech to the lecture, Boğaziçi University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Naci İnci emphasised that the Boğaziçi Lectures give priority to the in-depth study of academic, scientific, cultural and significant topics, including international security and diplomacy:
“The Boğaziçi Lectures aim to provide a platform for influential figures from different fields to share their thoughts and develop meaningful dialogs. The lecture series emphasizes in-depth exploration of important topics, including international security and diplomacy. It aims to address the challenges facing the world, provide new perspectives and inspire innovative solutions. We are deeply honored and grateful to welcome His Excellency Dr. Khalid Bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs of Qatar. The fact that he has accepted our invitation underlines the importance of this event and is a great honor for us. Dr. Al Attiyah is a prominent figure in international security and politics. He is known for his profound contributions and leadership in addressing global and regional challenges. His expertise is invaluable, especially given the complex dynamics in the Middle East. His experience and insights will undoubtedly enrich and inform our understanding of the global and regional challenges in the Middle East. Dr. Hulusi Akar received his Ph.D. from Boğaziçi University and has played an important role throughout his military and political career. His exemplary leadership and commitment have not only made an important contribution to our country, but have also brought international recognition to the institutions he has worked with. We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Akar for his tireless support and for inviting Dr. Al Attiyah on behalf of our university. Boğaziçi University, with its proud history, will continue to be at the forefront of academic excellence.”
“WE DO NOT HAVE AN ORDINARY PARTNERSHIP WITH TÜRKİYE”
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs of Qatar, Dr. Khalid Bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, also highlighted the ongoing massacre of Palestinians in the Gaza. Minister Al Attiyah emphasized that Türkiye and Qatar have been advocating for a two-state solution on many platforms and underlined the strategic partnership between the two countries:
“We are working as Türkiye and Qatar to end the ongoing massacre in Gaza and realize a two-state solution in Palestine. We are expressing this on many platforms and diplomatic initiatives are also underway. We do not see our partnership with Türkiye not as an ordinary partnership, but as a strategic partnership. As Qatar, we will continue to support Türkiye and its initiatives in all areas, including energy and trade.”
“I AM PLEASED TO WELCOME DR. ATTİYAH AT TÜRKİYE’S TOP UNIVERSITY”
Chairman of the National Defense Commission of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) and Boğaziçi Fellow in Global Studies, Dr. Hulusi Akar, said he worked closely and effectively with Al Attiyah during his tenure as Minister of Defence. Dr. Akar, who also completed his doctoral studies at the Ataturk Institute for Modern Turkish History recalled that Boğaziçi University is Türkiye’s premier institution of higher education:
“I completed my Ph.D. studies at the Department of Atatürk Principals and Turkish Revolution of Boğaziçi University. I am also pleased to welcome my friend Dr. Attiyah at Boğaziçi, Türkiye’s top university. We carried out many important projects together during my tenure as Minister, and our cooperation will now continue in my current role. While our efforts to stop the massacre of Palestinians in Gaza continue, we are also working together to resolve crises in other regions of the Middle East, such as Syria and Yemen.”
