Parliamentary Ombudsman receives Ambassador of Türkiye on courtesy visit

Parliamentary Ombudsman receives Ambassador of Türkiye on courtesy visit

Published October 14, 2026

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, received His Excellency Barkın Kayaoğlu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Malta, on a courtesy visit marking the beginning of the Ambassador’s mandate.

During the meeting, they discussed the longstanding and excellent relations between Malta and Türkiye, as well as the work of the Office of the Ombudsman at both national and international level.

The Ombudsman provided an overview of the role and functions of the institution in promoting good administration, addressing complaints concerning the public administration and bringing the Office closer to the people.

He emphasised that the services of the Office are available not only to Maltese citizens, but also to foreign nationals living and working in Malta. Referring to the Office’s outreach with diplomatic missions, the Ombudsman explained that meetings with ambassadors form part of efforts to ensure that international communities are aware that they too can seek the assistance of the institution. Around one third of complaints received by the Office are lodged by foreign nationals.

The Ombudsman also referred to the close and longstanding relationship between the Office of the Ombudsman in Malta and the Ombudsman institution of Türkiye. He noted the good relations maintained with the current Chief Ombudsman, Mehmet Akarca, as well as with his predecessor, Şeref Malkoç.

Both Chief Ombudsmen have participated in international conferences hosted by the Office of the Ombudsman in Malta. Mr Malkoç contributed to the international conference organised in 2023, while Mr Akarca participated in the Office’s international conference held in 2025, providing opportunities for the exchange of experience and perspectives within the international Ombudsman community.

Judge Zammit McKeon also recalled a visit facilitated by the Office in November 2023, when then Chief Ombudsman Şeref Malkoç visited the Civil Protection Department Fire Station in Ħal Far. The visit provided an opportunity for Mr Malkoç to personally convey the appreciation of the people of Türkiye to the Maltese Civil Protection officers who had travelled to Türkiye following the devastating earthquake and assisted in the relief operations. The visit also recognised the wider solidarity shown by the Maltese public through the provision of assistance and essential goods to those affected.

The Ombudsman further referred to cooperation through the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen, where, in his capacity as Secretary General, he works with counterparts from across the region on matters of common interest. He also recalled previous exchanges between the Maltese and Turkish Ombudsman institutions, including working visits aimed at sharing experience and expertise.

Ambassador Kayaoğlu highlighted the close relations between Türkiye and Malta and referred to the active Turkish community living and working in Malta, as well as the presence of Turkish businesses investing in the country. He also noted similarities between the two countries and welcomed Malta’s multicultural character.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between the two countries and their institutions, including through the international Ombudsman community.