Davutoglu: History now flows from Ankara

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu asked the Turkish diplomats around the world to take iniatiaves and not to be passive. Davutoglu said Turkey is following the strategy to run ahead of history, emphasizing humanitarian diplomacy as a priority for the government. Speaking at the inauguration of the 5th Ambassadors Conference in Ankara yesterday, Davutoglu noted that the number of diplomatic missions in Ankara was 148 a decade ago, but has grown to 240 now as the number of Turkey's diplomatic missions abroad also increased. "From now on, those who want to understand history must be present in Ankara, Istanbul and every other place in Turkey because from now on we will be more actively present in shaping of the flow of history," he said. It was impossible to run after history, but one should run through or ahead of history, the foreign minister said. Turkey would take every risk if necessary, even if it meant they made some mistakes, but would never behave spinelessly, Davutoglu stated.  Davutoglu also said that Turkey was determined to pursue the most liberal visa policy with the belief that this same policy for Turkish citizens would be reciprocated in other countries. "Eventually, Turkish citizens will travel in the EU without visa because Turkey has been, is and will be a part of Europe," said Davutoglu.