Chief Ombudsman of Türkiye, Mr. Mehmet Akarca, paid a visit to Belgrade upon the invitation of the Protector of Citizens (Ombudsman) of Serbia, Mr. Zoran Pašalić, to participate in the International Scientific Conference titled “Protector of Citizens – First Twenty Years” on 13-14 November 2025.

Mr. Akarca delivered a speech during the first panel, “Institutional Guarantees of the Ombudsman’s Independence.” In his address, he emphasized the importance of the Paris Principles and the Venice Principles as key international standards designed to ensure that Ombudsman institutions operate independently, impartially, and effectively. He outlined the essential qualifications required to safeguard the independence of Ombudspersons, and provided information about the structure and functioning of the Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye in this context.