The Prime Minister of Turkey lectures on The Alliance of Civilizations

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, HE Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan, delivered a lecture on the role of Turkey in The Alliance of Civilizations, at the Sheldonian Theatre as a guest of the Centre on 2nd April 2009.

The audience heard how the need for such an alliance - especially in the context of global economic challenges and climate change - is ever more obvious and ever more urgent. Turkey, given the legacy of its geographical and cultural location at the crossroads between the East and the peoples of Europe, is perhaps uniquely well-placed to influence and foster good relations between the two. The Prime Minister spoke with confidence about the compatibility of Turkish culture and European values and referred to Turkey's continuing efforts to gain accession to the European Union.

In his introduction, the Director reaffirmed how, in the field of inter-cultural and inter-disciplinary scholarship, the Centre similarly is committed to building the mutual understanding and capacity to work together, which must underpin any sustainable alliance of civilizations.

The vote of thanks was offered by the Chairman of the Anglo-Turkish Society, Sir Timothy Daunt, KCMG. The Prime Minister was then guest of honour at a dinner in Exeter College hosted by the Centre's Director.