11 March 2015 - Turkish Grand National Assembly Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi Speaker Cemil Cicek, welcomed Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez to the Parliament in Ankara on March 04.
Accompanied by Philippine Minister and Consul General Robert O. Ferrer, Jr., the Ambassador briefed the Speaker on the latest developments on Philippines-Turkey relations, taking into account the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Philippines-Turkey diplomatic relations. Speaker Cicek was remarkably up to date, and informed the Ambassador that he was “personally interested in the peace process in Mindanao.” He expressed his hope for peace to prevail.
Cicek recognized the valuable presence of Filipino workers in Turkey. Ambassador Sanchez emphasized the high regard of Filipinos and Turks on family values, and discussed the greater exchanges between Turks and Filipinos that will soon take place, as the first direct flights between Turkey and the Philippines commence in March 2015.
Cicek expressed his full support for the revitalization of the Turkey-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group, and welcomed the possibility of a visit by Senate President Franklin Drilon to Turkey, in response to a personal invitation from him. END