By Murat Agca

Secretary, International Relations, TSYD

Turkish President Mr Abdullah Gül (right) welcomes TSYD President and AIPS First Vice-president Esat Yilmaer (left) to the Cankaya Palace. Photo/TSYD

ANKARA, August 27, 2009 – The newly-elected executive board of the Turkish Sports Writers Association (TSYD) has been received by the President of the Republic of Turkey, his Excellency, Mr Abdullah Gül in the capital city Ankara. Less than one month after its general assembly where TSYD President Mr Esat Yilmaer and member nominees for the board were elected for another term – 2009-2012 – the new executive committee visited President Gül as a their first official engagement. Mr .Gül and the TSYD EC members met at Ankara’s Cankaya Palace. The meeting was held in a very cosy atmosphere. Half an hour was scheduled, however Mr Gül extended the appointment to an hour. The main subject of the very special meeting was the 2010 AIPS Congress which will be held in Antalya, Turkey. As former Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Gül pointed out that the AIPS Congress has ultimate importance not only for the Turkish sports press but also for Turkey’s promotion abroad, particularly in tourism. “I thank you all for successfully bringing this international congress to Turkey and I declare my full support as head of state,” he said. TSYD President Esat Yılmaer’s invitation to conduct the opening speech of the AIPS Congress was accepted by President Abdullah Gul: “I would be very delighted to be there if no other extraordinary business occurs,” he declared. During the valuable meeting President Gül who is a well-known fan of Beşiktaş Football Club, mentioned his delight at this club’s championship in the Turkish Super League. At the end of the reception, TSYD President and AIPS First Vice-president Esat Yilmaer presented a plaque to President Gül to commemorate the occasion.