03.06.2024 13:12
The Presidency Communication Directorate's Disinformation Combat Center has denied the claim that "tourist refugees are coming from Rwanda." It stated that the allegations have no connection to the decision regarding the approval of the Cooperation Agreement in the Field of Tourism between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Republic of Rwanda, published in the Official Gazette dated 2024 and numbered 32560.
The Presidency Communication Directorate's Disinformation Combat Center (DCC) announced that the claim "Tourist refugees are coming from Rwanda" which is shared on some press outlets and social media is "disinformation aimed at manipulating public opinion."
DETAIL ABOUT RWANDA IN THE 4 INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
4 international agreements were approved by President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The most remarkable detail among the agreements published in the Official Gazette on Saturday, May 29th was the inclusion of Rwanda, a small African country. The decision approving the "Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Republic of Rwanda" was also published in the Official Gazette.
IS THE CLAIM ABOUT SENDING RWANDAN IMMIGRANTS TRUE?
Is it true that tourist refugees are coming from Rwanda, which has been occupying the agenda in recent days? In the statement made on DCC's social media account, it was stated that the "Decision on the Approval of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Republic of Rwanda" published in the Official Gazette dated May 29, 2024, and numbered 32560, has no connection with the claims.
It was emphasized in the statement that the decision was published based on an agreement made on June 24, 2019, and automatically renewed, in order to strengthen the existing friendship relations with the Republic of Rwanda in the field of tourism.
It was stated in the 11th article of the agreement that if one of the parties does not notify the other party of its intention to terminate the agreement, it will be automatically renewed every 5 years, and the following statements were made in the statement:
"The claim 'Tourist refugees are coming from Rwanda' shared on some press outlets and social media is disinformation aimed at manipulating public opinion.
The Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Republic of Rwanda has created a legal framework between the countries in terms of increasing cooperation in the field of tourism, promoting investment and initiatives in the tourism sector, and subjecting stakeholders in the sector to education.
Tourism cooperation agreements with countries contribute to the development of Turkey's global economic, commercial, and political relations and provide a basis for increasing its effectiveness in the medium/long term." the statements were included.
Some of the articles are as follows;
"The parties will increase, develop, and promote cooperation in the field of tourism within their respective jurisdictions, in accordance with the principles of equality and mutual benefit."
"Activities will be developed to promote investment and initiatives in the tourism sector. The parties will inform potential investors in their countries about tourism investment opportunities in both countries. Cooperation will be established in tourism marketing. Exchange programs related to tourism will be supported. Information and data sharing will be carried out in the field of tourism. A tourism joint commission will be established for the implementation of the provisions."
WHY HAVE FLIGHTS FROM RWANDA TO ISTANBUL INCREASED?
According to the statement made by the Victory Party; Normally, no plane passes over Rwanda, but on Sunday, 5 planes will be brought from Rwanda to Turkey. Instead of direct flights from the UK, they are bringing them with a transfer from Rwanda. On Sunday, only 5 planes from Rwanda will come to Turkey along with other companies.
Good Party leader Kursat Zorlu, on the other hand, stated in his statement, "An agreement on cooperation in the field of tourism has been approved between Turkey and Rwanda. Recently, the UK made an agreement with Rwanda and it was decided that those who come to the country will stay in Rwanda until their status is determined. Today, a significant part of Rwanda's population consists of refugees from neighboring Tanzania and Uganda, and in addition to them, the first irregular migration convoy was sent from the UK to Rwanda as of May 1, 2024, in accordance with the agreement made with the UK".
QUESTIONS ABOUT RWANDA RAISED BY ZORLU IN THE PARLIAMENT AGENDA
Now, why and for what reason is cooperation in the field of tourism being made with such a country?
+ What expectations or gains can Turkey have from tourism cooperation with Rwanda?
+ Isn't it significant that this agreement was made between Rwanda and Turkey just 1 month after the UK started sending irregular migrants to Rwanda?
+ Turkey currently requires a visa for Rwanda, will the visa be lifted after this agreement? Or will it be included in the electronic visa application?
"WHY WOULD RWANDANS WANT TO COME TO TURKEY?"
Turhan Çömez, the Good Party's Balıkesir Deputy, stated in his statement;
+ A country in the middle of Africa. It has no coastline.
+ The size is as big as Sivas.
+ Population is 14 million.
+ Per capita income is around 1000 dollars.
+ We signed a tourism cooperation agreement, new. I wanted to go and see, have a vacation. But return flights are full.
+ Why would these Rwandans want to leave such a beautiful country and come to Turkey?
- Israel made an agreement with Rwanda in 2015, and the United Kingdom made an agreement in 2022. According to this, illegal immigrants who enter these two countries will be sent to Rwanda and money will be paid for this. So what did we do? We signed a tourism cooperation agreement with Rwanda. With this small country in the middle of Africa. I wonder why?
STATEMENT FROM THE DISINFORMATION COMBAT CENTER!
While the questions about Rwanda occupy the agenda, a statement came from the disinformation center. In the statement, it was announced that the claim "Tourist refugees are coming from Rwanda" is 'disinformation'.