Minister IŞIKHAN met with Turkish Expatriates in Sweden

Minister IŞIKHAN's Message of Unity, Loyalty and Solidarity on the 60th Anniversary of Migration to Sweden

Minister of Labour and Social Security Prof. Dr. Vedat IŞIKHAN attended the ‘60th Anniversary of Migration’ programme organised by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) in Sweden.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Prof. Dr. Vedat IŞIKHAN participated in the Commemoration Programme of the 60th Anniversary of Migration to Sweden organised by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) and emphasised that migration is not just a journey; it is a story of labour, sweat, loyalty and perseverance. Minister Işıkhan said: ‘Migration is not a separation; it is a reunion by carrying your homeland in your heart.’

The Friendship Between Türkiye And Sweden Was Cemented With Labour And Courage

TStating that Minister IŞIKHAN was meeting with his citizens in Sweden for the meaningful anniversary of the friendship between Türkiye and Sweden, which started centuries ago, and which was strengthened with labour, sweat and courage sixty years ago, Minister IŞIKHAN commemorated with mercy and gratitude those who passed away from the first generation of Turkish citizens who stepped on Swedish lands with hope and courage sixty years ago, and who made great sacrifices to build a new life.

IŞIKHAN said, "We consider this special day as a very important opportunity not only to remember the past, but also to reaffirm our common responsibilities and hopes for the future. I sincerely congratulate our President of Turks Abroad and Related Communities and his team for organising this meaningful meeting".

The Perseverance of the First Generations Inspired the Next Generations 

Minister IŞIKHAN emphasised that sixty years ago, our people, who set out from different cities, villages and families, established a new life in Sweden by taking their labour, sweat and faith with them and said: "The perseverance and diligence shown by the first generations has become a valuable source of inspiration for the following generations. Today, we are proud of the bridges, friendships and achievements they have built with their sweat and sweat".

Intensive Efforts for the Rights of Expatriate Citizens

Recalling President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's sensitivity to meet the demands and needs of citizens living abroad, IŞIKHAN said, "As the Ministry, we are making great efforts to protect the rights and interests of our citizens living abroad in the field of labour and social security and to carry them further. In today's rapidly advancing digitalisation, of course, the services provided by our state to our citizens must also keep pace with this change. These digital services have a very important place especially for our citizens who receive services remotely, such as our esteemed brothers and sisters."

SSI Applications Can Be Made Through Attaché Offices

Reminding that the information system prepared for the use of the Labour and Social Security Counselling and Attaché Offices within the scope of expanding the rights of citizens living abroad has been in use since 2019, IŞIKHAN said, "With a regulation made in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye last July, every application to the Social Security Institution can now be made through our Labour and Social Security Counselling and Attaché Offices. We aim to make your transactions much easier by implementing this application as soon as possible."

'Our citizens are both the pride of Türkiye and a part of Sweden'

Emphasising that citizens living abroad are both a source of pride for Türkiye and an integral part of Swedish society, IŞIKHAN said: "Your achievements in many fields from economy to arts, science to sports constantly honour us. It is a source of great satisfaction that our second, third and even fourth generation young people both embrace their roots and add value to the society they live in. It is a matter of priority for us that each of our citizens living abroad feel strong, safe and valuable."

'Attacks on the Holy Quran can never be accepted'

Emphasising that he is concerned about the stage Islamophobia and xenophobia have reached and the direction it is heading in many parts of the world, Minister IŞIKHAN said: "It is never, ever acceptable that the heinous attacks against our holy book, the Holy Quran, are justified under the guise of freedom of expression. The aim of these attacks is to target and marginalise Muslims who are an integral part of society. I would like to express that we attach great importance to the resolutions of the United Nations that consider attacks on holy books as “religious hatred and violation of international law”. The condemnation of these vile attacks is of great importance for us in terms of relations with our partners. We both follow and attach importance to the legal process and court decisions taken against the perpetrators of the attacks on the Holy Quran in Sweden."

Ties of Affection between Stockholm and Anatolia

IŞIKHAN, who also made evaluations about the concept of migration, said: "Migration is not a separation, but a reunion. It is travelling by carrying your homeland in your heart. Migration is the story of labour, sweat, loyalty and perseverance. That is why the 60th anniversary of migration is not just a commemoration; it is a resurrection, a re-membering, a refreshment of the heart. Sixty years ago, dear brothers and sisters, you set sail not only for a new life but also for a new hope. The sweat of your brow has sprouted not only on Swedish soil but also in the hearts of Türkiye. Today, there is a heart line extending from Stockholm to Konya, Mardin and every corner of Anatolia. This line is the most vivid witness of our common history, culture and brotherhood".