ANKARA, February 13. /Dunyo IA/. In Ankara, a group of Uzbek students studying at Turkish universities visited the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (GNAT) - the country’s highest legislative body, which stands as a symbol of Türkiye’s national sovereignty and democratic tradition, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event was aimed at broadening the socio-political horizons of young people, strengthening their civic stance and fostering a deeper understanding of the modern reforms being implemented in the New Uzbekistan during the era of the Third Renaissance.

The parliament building, where history seems to echo through its walls, welcomed the visitors with an atmosphere of statehood and responsibility. It was here that on April 23, 1920, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was established - during the dramatic events following the occupation of the Ottoman Empire and the dissolution of the Ottoman parliament. Since then, this institution has embodied the idea of popular sovereignty.

The visit program allowed students to learn about the history of Turkish parliamentary development, modern legislative process, election procedures for deputies and the mechanisms for adopting key political and socio-economic decisions. Of particular interest were the procedures for ratifying international treaties, as well as the constitutional processes for declaring martial law and states of emergency.

In the Plenary Hall, beneath the arches inscribed with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s words: “Sovereignty unconditionally belongs to the nation!”, representatives of the parliamentary administration explained the rules of procedure and the structure of sessions. For the students, this was a unique opportunity to engage with the practical workings of law-making and ask questions of direct interest.

During the tour of the parliament’s interior spaces, participants gained insight into the activities of the ruling party, opposition forces and smaller factions, providing them with a clear view of how the system of political balance and parliamentary dialogue functions in practice.

The visit also included a meeting with the advisors of the “Türkiye –Uzbekistan” Interparliamentary Friendship Group. Students learned about the group’s areas of activity and expressed interest in expanding contacts, proposing to involve parliamentarians in cultural and educational projects organized by Uzbek youth in Ankara, particularly as part of the “Uzbekistan Days” initiative.

The visit concluded with a discussion of the current agenda of Uzbek-Turkish cooperation. Participants exchanged views on the working visit of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Türkiye on January 29, its outcomes and the intergovernmental agreements signed, which underscore the strategic nature of bilateral relations.

For the students, the visit to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye was not just an educational tour but an opportunity to reflect on the significance of parliamentary institutions in shaping the destiny of a nation and the role of youth in building the future of their countries.