Metin Erol: We should not let perceptions get ahead of facts

Istanbul Regional Director of the Presidency's Directorate of Communications Metin Erol was the guest of the event held at Istanbul Medipol University. At the event organized by the Politics Club at the South Campus Conference Hall, issues of combating disinformation and political communication were discussed. Stating that Türkiye carries out effective public diplomacy activities all over the world, Erol stated that the Presidency's Directorate of Communications resolutely explains the theses of our country to the international public opinion. Noting that they have taken steps to strengthen Türkiye’s brand, Erol said: “We have signed collaborations in the field of strategic communication with many countries. We help societies understand each other better in the global arena. We have made great efforts to manage the communication flow between our nation and our state, and to contribute to an effective and qualified media field. Of course, we are waging an effective fight against systematic disinformation against our country and institutions at home and abroad. We should not let perceptions get ahead of facts and lies replace the truth. We are living in a time when information is weaponized through hybrid wars, international corporations are trying to create a news monopoly, and media barons are trying to obscure the truth through selective censorship. For these reasons, the truth has become more important than ever. Today, the occupation is not limited to the Gaza Strip; minds are also blockaded and occupied. The cruelty and massacre that Palestinians are subjected to has reached such a point that we are faced with a terrorist state that recognizes neither international law nor international organizations. Fake news, disinformation, cyber attacks and many other hybrid threats cast a shadow over our world. It is in our hands to reveal the truth with a truth-oriented and transparent communication approach.”