Distinguished Academicians,
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am most pleased to address you at this conference organized by a very prestigious establishment of Flanders, Belgium and Europe: the University of Ghent.

It is easier said than done; keeping up such a superb level of academic standards for almost two centuries is no small achievement. The long list of your universities notable alumni is very impressing. Many Ghent graduates went on to become top leaders in diverse fields, from Nobel Prize winners to Prime Ministers’.

As I keep on telling during my remarks at the academic fora, I appreciate these occasions for several reasons: Firstly, as a diplomat with almost 40 years of service, including four postings as an Ambassador, it provides me an opportunity to share some of my experiences. Moreover, it is always a pleasure to be among a young generation whom will continue our striving for universal peace harmony and prosperity.

I would also like to warmly thank your Rector Prof. Paul Van Cauwenberghe, Prof. Rik Coolsaet, Chair of the Department of Political Science and, finally my friend Prof. Dries Lesage who took the initiative for today’s lecture.

Taking into account the obviously increasing interest in Turkish Foreign policy, i.e. -on the lighter side- by far the highest number of documents released to Wikileaks are actuall