Emine Erdogan Engages in Cultural Exchange with Senegalese First Lady Marie Khone Fay
First Lady Emine Erdogan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, welcomed Marie Khone Fay, the wife of Senegal President Beşir Cuma Fay, on an official visit to Turkey. The two influential women engaged in a cultural exchange by visiting the Africa Cultural House and the Presidential People’s Library. Emine Erdogan began her visit by arriving at the Africa Cultural House, where she was greeted by Board Chairman Zeliha Sağlam and engaged in conversations with African students studying in Turkey. Subsequently, she greeted Marie Khone Fay and together they explored the cultural house, admiring handcrafted products from Senegal and other African countries. They took the time to appreciate the artistry behind each item on display and gained insights into the establishment of the Africa Cultural House and its products from Sağlam.
Connecting with Children at the Nasreddin Hodja Children’s Library
Emine Erdogan and Marie Khone Fay continued their cultural exchange by visiting the Presidential People’s Library in Beştepe. They proceeded to the Cihannüma Hall, where they explored the section dedicated to Senegal books. Moving on, they visited the Nasreddin Hodja Children’s Library, where they interacted with children participating in workshop activities, engaging in conversations and posing for photographs. It was reported that Fay expressed her admiration for the Africa Cultural House and the People’s Library during their visit.
Emine Erdogan’s Reflection on the Visits
Emine Erdogan took to social media to share her thoughts on the visits, expressing her delight at hosting Fay, the wife of the Senegal President. She highlighted the significance of the handcrafted products created by African women and the hope they bring to women and children in Africa through fair trade practices. She emphasized that every effort made under the roof of the Africa Cultural House symbolizes solidarity and brotherhood, paving the way for a brighter future. Emine Erdogan also mentioned their discussions on enhancing cultural relations to strengthen the friendship between their countries.
Reflecting on their visit to the Presidential People’s Library, Emine Erdogan expressed her pleasure in showcasing the library and the preserved works of art that contribute to our shared world heritage. She underscored the importance of exploring the unique traces of culture and history embedded in the Senegal books within the library. Emine Erdogan hoped that this friendly encounter would further solidify the bridge of friendship between their nations.
The meeting between Emine Erdogan and Marie Khone Fay not only demonstrated the importance of cultural exchanges but also highlighted the power of collaboration in fostering lasting friendships between countries. Their interactions with students, children, and local artisans exemplified the spirit of unity and mutual respect, transcending borders and promoting a sense of global community.
As Emine Erdogan and Marie Khone Fay engaged in conversations and explored the rich cultural heritage displayed at the Africa Cultural House and People’s Library, they laid the foundation for future collaborations and partnerships that would deepen the cultural ties between Turkey and Senegal. Their visit served as a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and the shared values that unite people across continents.
In conclusion, the meeting between Emine Erdogan and Marie Khone Fay symbolized the essence of cultural diplomacy and the potential for meaningful exchanges to bridge gaps and build bridges between nations. Their mutual appreciation for art, literature, and education underscored the importance of cultural understanding in fostering harmony and cooperation on a global scale. This visit not only strengthened the ties between Turkey and Senegal but also set a positive example for promoting cultural exchange and mutual respect among nations worldwide.
