The Minister of Trade, Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, and Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, inaugurated the Critical Minerals Forum at the OECD Istanbul Centre.

Press release from Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Minister of Trade:

(in time-lapse, part 1)

We met with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann in Istanbul on the occasion of the Critical Minerals Forum organized by the OECD Istanbul Centre.

We discussed relations between our country and the OECD, as well as recent international developments and their impacts. We also went through the OECD’s work on the resilience of critical minerals supply chains and food security in a fragmented global economy.

(in time-lapse, part 2)

Together with our Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar; OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann; and Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, we have inaugurated the Critical Minerals Forum at the OECD Istanbul Centre.

We met with many high-level international representatives participating in the Forum. We held important consultations on the ever-growing importance of critical minerals and assessed measures that could be taken to strengthen the resilience of their supply chains.

(in time-lapse, part 3)

We launched the 2026 edition of the OECD Inventory of Export Restrictions on Critical Raw Materials, published annually by the OECD, in Istanbul together with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, on the occasion of the OECD Critical Minerals Forum.

At a time when trade in critical minerals and security of supply are becoming increasingly important, as these minerals have become strategic inputs in the green and digital transformation of the economy, we assessed the important role of global cooperation and the multilateral system.

Photo: © CMF

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Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Minister of Trade

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar

OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann

Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali

Critical Minerals Forum - OECD Istanbul Centre

Organization owner & Team on organizing

Following the election held today, Prof. Dr. Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board of Turkish Airlines, has been elected Chairman of the Board of the Service Exporters’ Association.

Media release from Prof. Dr. Murat Şeker:

As a result of the election held today, I am very honored to assume the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Service Exporters' Association.

Turkey's service exports constitute one of the strategic areas in line with the growth targets of our economy. As Turkish Airlines, with the responsibility of being our country's service export champion, we consider it among our main priorities to demonstrate our country's potential in this field on a global scale.

Today, service exports; It is one of the most important forces that brings foreign currency to our country, creates employment and supports sustainable development in a wide range from tourism to transportation, from health to education, from software to consultancy. It is of great value not only with its economic size, but also in terms of carrying Turkey's knowledge, understanding of quality and competitiveness to the world.

Every success achieved in the service sector further strengthens our country's position in global trade; It opens up new areas of opportunity for our entrepreneurs, employees and young generations. For this reason, to increase service exports; It is a strategic investment not only in the future of our sectors but also in the future of Turkey.

I would like to thank Mr. Şekib Avdagiç, whom I took over this position, for his valuable contributions to our sector during his tenure. Likewise, I would like to express my gratitude to our past board members for their efforts and support.

As Service Exporters, we will continue to work, produce and make our country more known on a global scale in order to make a strong contribution to the vision of the Turkish Century.

Press release from Service Exporters’ Association:

Our Association's 2025 Elective Ordinary General Assembly Meeting was held. Mr. Prof. Dr. Murat Şeker (Turkish Airlines Technic Inc.) He was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors and took over from Mr. Şekib AVDAGİÇ.

Mrs. Hediye Güral Gür (NG Design Hotel Management and Tourism Inc.),

Mr. Serkan Kaptan (TAV Airports Holding A.Ş.),

Mr. Turgay Yaman (İGA Airport Management Inc.),

Mr. Dr. Mustafa Erogut (Acıbadem Health Service and Trade Inc.),

Mr. Murat BAYKARA (Baynak Ulus. Nak. Turz. Ltd. Sti.),

Mr. Prof. Dr. Orhan Gazi YİĞİTBAŞI (Istanbul Medipol University),

Mr. Ilhan Bagoren (Telenity İletişim Sistemleri San. Tic. A.Ş.),

Mr. Volkan KAZOVA (Kazova Building Construction Industry and Foreign Trade Inc.),

Mr. Fatih AKSOY (Med Production Television and Filming Inc.),

Mr. Kemal Yamankaradeniz (Destek Patent A.Ş.),

Took part in the Board of Directors.

Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Prof. Dr. Murat Şeker stated that the priority in the new period will be to make service exports sustainable, high value-added and competitive on a global scale. He emphasized that service exports are no longer a choice, but a strategic necessity.

Service Exporters’ Association: hib.org.tr/en

hashtag: #HizmetİhracatıGeleceğimiz

Photo: © HİB

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Prof. Dr. Murat Şeker

Service Exporters’ Association (HİB)

Organization owner & Team on organizing

Güzin Müjde Karakaşlı won first place in the Women’s category of the 3-Cushion Billiards Championship of Türkiye.

Media release from İstanbul Bilgi University:

Our Faculty of Law and Business Law Master’s Degree Program graduate Güzin Müjde Karakaşlı won first place in the women’s category of the 3-Cushion Billiards Championship of Türkiye, organized by the Turkish Billiards Federation in Ankara between March 30 and April 1.

We sincerely congratulate our graduate, who will represent our country at the Women’s World Championship to be held in Bordeaux, France, in September, and wish her continued success.

İstanbul Bilgi University: bilgi.edu.tr/en

Photo: ©BU

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İstanbul Bilgi University

BİLGİ Community

Prof. Dr. Murat Şeker has been appointed Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines (THY), succeeding Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat. Ahmet Olmuştur has been appointed CEO of THY, succeeding Bilal Ekşi.

Media release from Communications Directorate of Turkish Airlines (THY):

The Communications Directorate of Turkish Airlines (THY) announced that, in line with the company's objectives, new people have been appointed to the Board of Directors and the position of Director General.

Prof. Dr. Murat Şeker, who has worked for many years in key areas such as finance, treasury and investor relations within the company, has been appointed Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines (THY).

As part of the management change, Ahmet Olmuştur was appointed CEO of Turkish Airlines (THY).

Media release from Prof. Dr. Murat Şeker, Chairman of Turkish Airlines:

At the beginning of a new era at Turkish Airlines, we are experiencing the responsibility and pride of taking over such a deep-rooted heritage together. I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Ahmet Bolat, Mr. Bilal Ekşi and Mr. Mecit Eş, who have added value to our company and contributed to this success story with their vision and efforts.

I wish success to Mr. Ahmet Oldu, Mr. Harun Baştürk and Mr. Metin Gülşen in their new duties. Together, we will continue to work with the same determination to carry our national flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, to a stronger future.

The point we have reached today; It is the result of the right strategic decisions, our devoted teams and our passenger-oriented service approach. In the future, we will firmly adhere to our goals of sustainable growth, operational excellence and increasing our effectiveness on a global scale.

Turkish Airlines is not only an airline, but also one of the strongest brands and most valuable representatives of our country in the world. We will work with all our strength to carry this great trust forward together with our colleagues.

We wish the new period to be beneficial for our company, our industry and our country; I sincerely believe that we will achieve much greater success together.

Turkish Airlines (THY):

turkishairlines.com/en-gb

Directorate of Communications Contact Information:

turkishairlines.com/en-bh/press-room/contact/

Photo: ©THY - Murat Şeker

All rights belong to: (for this news)

Prof. Dr. Murat Şeker, Chairman of Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines (THY) - Communications Directorate of Turkish Airlines (THY)

David Reed took up his post as the new British Consul General in Istanbul and Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia on April 13, 2026. An experienced diplomat, Reed will focus on strengthening trade relations with Turkey and the region.

Media release from David Reed MBE, General Consul in Istanbul and Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia:

Today I start as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and British Consul General to Istanbul.

Eastern Europe and Central Asia is a region of over 380 million people, with fast-growing economies and a strong appetite for international partnership with the UK.

My focus is clear: to strengthen trade and investment ties, support UK businesses in succeeding across these markets, and promote inward investment into the UK.

Alongside this, in Istanbul I will be working to deepen the UK’s relationship with Türkiye across business, government and wider partnerships. Having previously lived in both Istanbul and Izmir, it’s a place I’m delighted to be returning to.

At its core, this role is about making things happen: opening doors, solving problems, and connecting the right people.

I look forward to collaborating with partners across the region to forge strong, practical partnerships.

Media release from Kenan Poleo, Director of the Office for Life Sciences UK (as of 1st May ):

Welcome and congratulations David Reed MBE It was a privilege to work across such a dynamic region, where the UK has built strong and ever growing partnerships. It’s a brilliant role, with exceptional teams across the region. All the very best m‘colleague! İyi şanslar!

And please do follow David if you want to know and keep up to date with all his and the teams work across the region.

for more: gov.uk/government/people/david-reed

Photo: © GOV.UK

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GOV.UK - Government

David Reed - Kenan Poleo

TÜSAP 46. As part of the Vision Meeting – Healthcare – the topic “New burdens on the healthcare system due to our aging population” was discussed from a scientific point of view.

Media release from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şuayıp Birinci, Deputy Minister of Health:

TÜSAP 46. Within the scope of the Vision Meeting - Health Service Delivery, we discussed the title of "New Burdens to the Health System of Our Aging Population" from a scientific perspective.

We comprehensively evaluated critical topics such as the changing disease burden in parallel with the increasing life expectancy, effective management of chronic diseases, long-term care needs and health financing.

We discussed the strategic steps to be taken in order to strengthen the sustainability of our health system, expand preventive health services and develop age-friendly and accessible service models in a multidimensional manner.

All periods of life should be well planned for a strong, resilient and inclusive health system.

Photo: ©SB - ŞB

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şuayıp Birinci, Deputy Minister of Health

Beykent University - TÜSAP

Organization owner & Team on organizing

Cyberattack on “Europa.eu”

The official EU website was the target of a cyberattack!

The European Commission announced that the EU's official website, "Europa.eu", had been the target of a cyberattack, and initial reports indicate that some data was stolen.

TRT:

The official EU website was the target of a cyberattack!

The European Commission announced that the EU's official website, "Europa.eu", had been the target of a cyberattack, and initial reports indicate that some data was stolen.

The Commission said in a written statement that the official EU website, “Europa.eu”, was subjected to a cyberattack on March 24.

The statement said that immediate measures were taken to contain the attack. However, according to initial findings from the ongoing investigation, data was stolen as a result of the cyberattack. It further stated that affected EU institutions had been informed and emphasized that the European Commission's internal systems were not affected.

The statement said the European Commission would continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the security of internal systems and data. It further stated: “In light of the ongoing cyber and hybrid attacks on critical services and democratic institutions in Europe, the Commission is actively working to strengthen the EU’s cybersecurity resilience.”

The European Commission’s mobile infrastructure was also the target of a cyberattack on January 30.

The Commission stated that the infrastructure had been cleared within nine hours, but it was possible that the names and mobile phone numbers of some employees had been accessed as a result of the attack.

Photo: ©TRT

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THY is further expanding its presence in London

Turkish Airlines:

We continue to strengthen our presence in London as Turkish Airlines.

Following Heathrow and Gatwick, we have now added Stansted Airport as our third destination in London, further expanding our operations in the United Kingdom.

With 15 weekly frequencies to Stansted, we offer our passengers greater flexibility while making access to our global network of 357 destinations via Istanbul even more convenient.

We expect this new route to contribute to commercial, touristic, and cultural connections, supporting increased mobility across the region.

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