21.06.2017 Ankara
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu attended the iftar dinner hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Palace. Representatives of non-governmental organizations took part in the event.
President
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan began his speech by celebrating the Blessed Night of Qadr said
to be “more blessed than a thousand months” in the Qur'an. Erdoğan said, “I pray
to Allah that this sacred night opens the gates of mercy and forgiveness; that
prayers and repentances are accepted; and that this night brings good to our
country, our nation and all humanity.”
Erdoğan
pointed out that it is very important to benefit from the grace and blessings
of this night, and to appreciate the value of the Night of Qadr.
Erdoğan
pointed out that the greatest share belongs to non-governmental organizations
in the exemplary solidarity shown for those in need within and without the
country in regards to education, rights and freedoms.
“We
have been striving to support you every step of the way, particularly in the
last 15 years since we have taken responsibility, to open the way for you and
to make your work easier, because we see civil society as a key component of our
national unity and solidarity, not as a threat. You are the insurance of our
social peace.
I
want to underline this truth again once again: Civil society is not anti-state,
but complementary. No matter how strong a state is, it cannot achieve its goals
without the support, assistance and cooperation of civil society. Especially in
the elimination of the troubles facing the nation, I believe that your
contribution is extremely necessary.”