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Restructuring of Turkish Foreign Ministry gets under way
The law, which requires a number of structural changes to the Foreign Ministry, was adopted by Parliament just before the legislative holiday at the beginning of July.
Under the new law ambassadors will no longer be considered only as representatives of the president, but also as representatives of the government as well. Ambassadors will be responsible to both. The Foreign Ministry will open new offices in the other cities in Turkey outside of Ankara and İstanbul. The precise cities have not yet been designated, but they are expected to be spread throughout the country.
The new bill also aims to bring young blood into the ministry. In the past diplomats had to wait until they were 45 years old to become ambassadors, but now they can be appointed as ambassadors even at the age of 35.
One of the most important changes will be the establishment of a diplomacy academy that will provide instruction for the young diplomats of Turkey and of foreign countries -- especially Turkey’s neighbors. The academy will also accept individuals who are not working for the ministry but who deal with international relations.
Future diplomats who attend the academy for two years will learn about the traditions of Turkish foreign policy in addition to developing their academic skills. The students will be encouraged to specialize in an region and learn more foreign languages. Although the academy is ultimately planned to offer a two-year program, for now its courses will span six months.
Also according to the new law, jobs at the Foreign Ministry will be open to university graduates with degrees in history, psychology, sociology and public relations. This is not currently the case.
Another reform in the structure of the Foreign Ministry will change the status of administrative officers. More of these officers will be hired. For the time being, they are supposed to handle non-diplomatic matters within the ministry, such as accounting, translation and consulate-related work. They are paid less than professional officers even though many are high-quality employees. Also, because they are limited in number, professional officers, especially when they are younger, end up handling the work of administrative officers, leading them to lose their motivation.
The new regulation calls for an increase in the number of administrative officers and opening the way for them to receive promotions. They will even have the opportunity to become professional officers if they pass the required exams. They will be able to be promoted as high as the rank of consul general.
Measures will be taken to improve the economic conditions of diplomats. Diplomats working in areas experiencing conflict or instability will be paid more. All diplomats will receive assistance in providing an education for their children if they are living abroad. The ministry will also cover the costs of a trip to Turkey every two years for diplomats and their families.
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