Gul receives confederation of immigrants of Balknas and Rumelia chairman

President Abdullah Gul received the Confederation of the Immigrants of the Balkans and Rumelia Chairman, Turhan Gencoglu, and his accompanying delegation at the Tarabya Residence in Istanbul. Speaking at the reception, Gul emphasized the importance of Balkan countries and its collaterals to the Republic of Turkey, saying that Turkey has been continuing its existence in the region for many centuries thanks to its Balkan collaterals' commitment to their language, flag and ancestors. Gul added that Muslim communities had the right to elect their own muftis in certain Balkan countries, whereas they were directly appointed by certain governments and the elected ones are prevented from taking office due to various reasons. Accordingly, Gul said that Turkish entrepreneurs should be encouraged to make investments there in order to ensure that they could continue their presence in those countries and give a halt to their immigration to other countries.