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By Iqbal Tamimi
The Turkish Ambassador his Excellency, Şakir Özkan Torunlar, visited AlIstiqlal University (The Palestinian Academy for Security Sciences) in the West Bank today, Tuesday morning, where he was welcomed by Chairman of the Board of Trustees His Excellency, Major General Tawfiq Tirawi, Dr. Naif Jarad, Acting President of the University, Brigadier Majid Fityani Governor of Jericho and the Jordan Valley, Colonel Imad Abu-Hamad, Director of Military Intelligence in Jericho, and Lt. Col. Mahmoud Salah al-Din police chief of Jericho, and representatives from the Area Commander, Vice President for Military Affairs, academics, administrative staff, police, and deans of colleges.
Major General Tirawi expressed his deep gratitude for the Turkish Ambassador’s visit, and talked about the outstanding role played by the Turkish government and its people to support the Palestinian people in their efforts to regain their freedom and independence. "Turkey has been one of the first countries that supported our demand for full membership at the United Nations. We, as Palestinians, nation and leadership, greatly appreciate your support, and assure you of our commitment to maintain the historical and distinguished relationship with you and we will work hard to promote the interest of both peoples. “said Mr Tirawi. "We are working hard, with full will and determination, to build all of our institutions that will be the institutions of our independent Palestinian state, God willing, as we deeply believe in the justness of our cause." Mr Tirawi added.
His Excellency, the Turkish Ambassador, thanked Major General Tirawi and the university administration for the warm reception "I feel privileged to be among you in Palestine and in this advanced scientific edifice in particular. Meeting with you in this place carries a great meaning for me and will remain in my memory always’ His excellency said "and added:" I feel I am among my family now, and I confirm the strong fraternal unique ties between the two peoples, the Palestinian and Turkish, and I would like to add that you always prove that you are the most able and equipped to build your own independent Palestinian state InshaAllah, God willing, we will always be supportive of your pro-freedom demands. "
The Turkish Ambassador has met with students and university staff at the Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan Theatre. Dr. Naif Jarad, Acting President of the University, welcomed his Excellency and said: "Your precious visit is a historic day in the course of this university. We are proud of the contributions and support Turkey has offered our university, especially the funds offered by your friendly state to our library that is adorned by the name of Kamal Ataturk. You are our brothers and supporters in our endeavour to long lasting freedom. "