Turkey-based Global Journalists Council (KGK / GJC) is conducting a series of official visits and meetings in London and Manchester to strengthen international media cooperation and advance public diplomacy.The UK phase of the tour included diplomatic meetings, media collaborations, and engagements with Turkish and British journalists.
Official Visit and Public Diplomacy
The “International Media Diplomacy” program, organized by KGK UK Representative Vatan Öz, began in London. The first phase of the official visit for KGK President Mehmet Ali Dim was completed on January 26-27, 2026.
Key meetings included discussions with Turkish Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş, UK Foreign Press Association (FPA) Director Vasil Hristov and Manager Deborah Bonetti, MP and Ministerial Undersecretary Nesil Çalışkan at the UK Parliament, and Baroness Meral Ece at the House of Lords.
An evening reception and dinner were hosted by Vatan Öz in honor of Mehmet Ali Dim at the Mayfair Royal Navy Club.
On January 27, visits were made to Turkish Consul General Dr. Hasan Ulusoy and TRNC London Representative Aysan Mullahasan, followed by a meeting with Turkish and British journalists at the Yunus Emre Institute.
Turkish and British Media Engagement
At the Yunus Emre Institute, KGK UK Representative Vatan Öz and KGK President Mehmet Ali Dim welcomed Turkish journalists working in the UK. During the session, a cooperation protocol was signed between the European Turkish Journalists Association (UK) and KGK, setting the framework for upcoming KGK events in the UK.
Key Speeches
Vatan Öz
Vatan Öz highlighted ongoing discussions with the Foreign Press Association (FPA) on potential collaboration, noting that despite FPA being a longstanding British institution, Turkish journalists effectively represented themselves. He emphasized the symbolic importance of FPA sharing the visit on its official social media channels.
"As the UK Representative, we will continue to represent KGK to the best of our abilities," Öz said.
Mehmet Ali Dim
Dim praised the organization of the event by Vatan Öz, noting the intense program schedule. He stressed the challenges posed by social media and digitalization for traditional journalism, highlighting the prevalence of misinformation.
"Approximately 86% of social media content is misinformation. This is where the Global Journalists Council assumes responsibility, promoting ethical journalism across 80 countries," Dim said.
He also lauded London as a hub for ethical and universal journalism, recognized the contributions of Turkish journalists maintaining media abroad for decades, and showcased KGK publications, including the bilingual Global Media magazine, issue 13.
Alexander Seale
London-based journalist Alexander Seale, formerly of BBC Afrique, and currently reporting for RFI English and Radio Canada, emphasized the value of sharing European journalism experiences and strengthening international collaboration.
"From London, we support our countries—France, Belgium, Turkey—by delivering accurate information," Seale said.
Salih Gaygusuz
Former St. Albans Mayor Salih Gaygusuz reflected on the evolution of journalism in Europe, recalling the difficulty of accessing Turkish news in the 1970s and praising journalists like Vatan Öz for disseminating accurate information abroad.
Participants
• Alexander Seale – Belgium/France Journalist, FPA – London
• Aynur Tattersall – HÜRRİYET / KGK – France / UK
• Güzel Öz – Avrupa Agency (AVA) – London
• Necati Kola – Freelance – Newcastle
• Adil Elmas – Avrupa Günlüğü – Vienna
• Zeynep Clyburn – IHA – Newcastle / London
• Sevgin Alişoğlu – ATV / London Aktüel – London
• Poyraz Cadır – WorldTurk TV – London
• Hüseyin Çekiç – London Face TV – London
• Sevim Özdemir – Freelance – London
• Arzu Sheridan – European Journalist – Italy / Spain
• İlkgül Karaca – European Journalist – London
• Selahattin Çekiç – Turkish Press – London
• Barış Çimen – Freelance / VOA – London
Special Presentation
During the program, KGK President Mehmet Ali Dim received the book Zirvedekiler, signed by author İsmail Karakaş and presented by journalist Selahattin Çekiç.
Manchester City Match
The delegation traveled to Manchester to attend the Manchester City – Galatasaray match, after which they will return to London to complete the final phase of the program. KGK will continue engagements with UK political parties, the House of Lords, and British media outlets. Mehmet Ali Dim is expected to return to Turkey on Monday.
