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Turkey seeks Israeli PR advice
Turkish officials want to learn from Israel's experience in effort to present image as a modern, Western state
Itamar Eichner
The Turkish government has turned to Israel for assistance in formulating a public relations campaign that will allow Turkey to improve its image around the world, Israel's leading newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
Gideon Meir, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Ministry for Information, participated in a conference on the subject under the banner "Public Diplomacy" in Ankara, following an invitation from the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
Communication experts from Germany, Holland, Canada, and the U.S. also participated in conference.
Turkey is experiencing a tough time dealing with an international image of a Muslim country that does not respect human rights (as portrayed in the movie Midnight Express.) The negative image is particularly troubling for Turkey in light of its ongoing efforts to gain entry into the European Union.
The Turks are apparently interested in learning from Israel's experience in deal with image problems, especially in light of the intifada, for the purpose of marketing Turkey as a modern, Western state who represents enlightened Islam.
Officials at the Israeli embassy in Turkey said reactions to Meir's appearance were enthusiastic. The senior official informed the Turks that the Israeli Foreign Ministry is planning to hold a big conference to be attended by public relations experts from across the globe. Israel is expected to extend an invitation for Turkey to attend the event.
Turkish officials also asked for Meir's advice on the subject of the Muhammad cartoon, which stirred violent protests across the Muslim world.
Meir, meanwhile, also used his visit in Ankara for to promote Israel's image in the Turkish media.
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