http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2009-11-20T23:01:01+00:00 About the Author: Binnur Tekiner is from Turkey and servers as the Assistant to the Public Affairs Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey.

Secretary Hillary Clinton’s last stop this afternoon was the Ambassador’s Residence, where she met the Embassy community. I arrived early to cover the event, which took place in the reception lounge. We all crowded in, lining up later to meet the Secretary. This was a memorable moment for embassy employees and families who had the opportunity to meet the Secretary in person. And it’s a wonderful way to reward all the Embassy employees who have worked very hard for the last week to make this happen. The drivers, interpreters, computer technicians, American officers who arranged the meetings, and others; everyone has worked long hours to make this visit a success.

The Secretary expressed her appreciation for all the hard work that went into preparing for the visit. Employees, spouses and their children who wished to be photographed with the Secretary were impressed by her friendly, outgoing manner and her charisma. I also had the privilege of shaking hands with her for the second time, and even asking for her signature on a Public Affairs photo taken when she visited us as First Lady in 1999.

During her meeting, I thought that the Secretary was a true role model and wished her to be one for women in my country who believe that women must be respected as equals in a modern Turkey. International Women’s Day will be celebrated tomorrow in Turkey in many different ways. It’s a well-timed commemoration following Ms. Clinton’s visit.

8 Mart Dünya Kadınlar Günümüz Kutlu Olsun!

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