Official web portal ‘Memleketim’ aims to be bridge between Turkey and Turkish expats

ANKARA

A new official communication portal titled “Memleketim” (My Country), which aims to build stronger communication ties with Turkish expats, has reached nearly 2,500 members, according to a Foreign Ministry official.

The web portal www.memleketim.gov.tr, launched by the Foreign Ministry on May 7, aims to be a “bridge” between Turkey and the Turkish diaspora, the official added, as the country seeks to step up more formal channels with Turks abroad.

Some 1,000 Turkish youngsters living abroad have already registered to visit youth camps in Turkey this summer through the website.

It aims to provide a 24-hour counseling service for Turks on family matters, and also provides an online “grocery store” platform called “Türk Bakkal” for products only accessible in Turkey.

Foreign Ministry officials also stress the importance attached to the website’s distance-learning service, particularly its provision of Turkish-language lessons, which include animated cartoons for children.

Information about the ongoing overseas election process for the June 7 general election is on the website, along with a number of news stories such as Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu’s recent visit to Turkish Cyprus.

Officials say non-governmental organizations abroad will be able to interact with each other through the communication portal, while young Turkish expats will be able to find internships in public and private organizations both in Turkey and abroad.