Face To Face Interviews News

Exclusive Interview with U.S. Ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder

Brussels, Belgium, by Olha Pashchenko — As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Brussels Liberty Network Summer Reception brought together policymakers, diplomats, academics, and business leaders to discuss the future of transatlantic cooperation. On the occasion of the event, EUReflect Media interviewed U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Andrew Puzder, who shared his perspective on the evolving U.S.–EU partnership and the strategic priorities shaping relations across the Atlantic.

Olha Pashchenko · July 14, 2026

Interview: with Angola’s Minister of Tourism, H.E. Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel

Speaking to Derya Soysal, Angola’s Minister of Tourism, Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, said the country is focused on increasing its visibility as a tourist destination. He highlighted regional co-branding initiatives and noted that leisure tourism grew by 25% between 2024 and 2025 thanks to promotional efforts.

Derya Soysal · June 22, 2026

World Romani Day Special Interview: "Writing Our Own Story"

On April 8, World Romani Day, the Tekirdağ Educated and University Graduate Romani Association—founded by Eyüp Sürücüler—highlighted its mission to empower Romani youth through education and role models. The association has successfully placed students in top schools, collaborated on EU projects, and promoted women’s education as a driver of social transformation. Sürücüler’s vision is clear: a Romani community recognized not for its struggles, but for its doctors, engineers, artists, and leaders, inspiring future generations to stand tall and never give up.

EUReflect News · April 8, 2026

Eurovia Awarded 2026’s Most Successful European Project Organization

Eurovia has been awarded "2026’s Most Successful European Project Organization", marking a major milestone in the European Union projects and funding landscape. Operating at the heart of EU programmes such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and other EU-funded initiatives, Eurovia has rapidly emerged as a leading non-profit project organization recognized for excellence in EU project management, project coordination, and high-impact implementation. For this award feature, we interviewed Eurovia’s President, Oguzhan Bahadir ARI, focusing on Eurovia’s long-term strategy and its outlook on the future of the European Union.

EUReflect News · January 8, 2026

Interpreter Selection Criteria for Presidents

High-level diplomatic interpretation constitutes a strategic practice that extends beyond linguistic transfer. Cultural knowledge, political awareness, and interpretive judgment shape leader-level communication and diplomatic outcomes.

Mirzojon Kalandarov · December 27, 2025

Philology in Uzbek Diplomatic Tradition

This study examines the historical and structural factors underlying the prominent role of philology graduates from the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies in Uzbekistan’s state and bureaucratic institutions. It argues that linguistic and cultural expertise—particularly in Persian and Arabic—has functioned as strategic capital in governance, diplomacy, and security from the late imperial and Soviet periods to the present. By tracing the evolution of philological education from its origins in Central Asia’s higher education system to its role in elite formation, the study demonstrates how language proficiency has contributed to effective political communication, policy formulation, and international engagement. The findings highlight the enduring significance of philological training in shaping Uzbekistan’s political and administrative elites.

Mirzojon Kalandarov · December 25, 2025

“THE FUTURE OF EUROPE RUNS THROUGH ITS SMALL STATES”

Professor Glenn Agung Hole—Honorary Professor in Kazakhstan and Visiting Professor in North Macedonia—argues that Europe’s long-term stability depends on its smallest and most strategically placed states. In this extended interview with EUReflect’s Derya Sy, he discusses the lessons from Astana, Norway’s blind spots, the strategic awakening of the Balkans, and why North Macedonia is becoming indispensable for European security, innovation, and academic diplomacy.

Derya Soysal · November 14, 2025

Uzbekistan’s Living Legacy: Timur Shirinov

The life of Timur Shirinov is a living embodiment of Uzbekistan’s modernization process, the construction of its national identity, and its enduring strategic ties with the Turkic world.

İsmail Polat · November 11, 2025

Exclusive Interview with H. E. Dato’ Mohd Khalid Abbasi Abdul Razak: Malaysian ambassador

Fresh off a MICE sector excellence award, Malaysia’s Ambassador to the EU shared his country’s strategic vision for tourism diplomacy, sustainability, and strengthening European ties in an exclusive EUReflect interview.

Derya Soysal · October 22, 2025

Meeting with the Renowned Educationist Professor Dr. Ieasar Ahmed

EUReflect News · August 23, 2025

The Political Thought and Islamic Legal Perspective of Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar Al-Shinqiti

Aysenur Karagoz · August 14, 2025

Interview with the Uzbek Deputy Minister: Chasur Choriyev

At the 2025 Tashkent International Investment Forum, Uzbekistan made a compelling case for its growing role as a regional transport hub. Deputy Minister of Transport Chasur Choriyev spoke with Derya Soysal about the country’s strategic priorities—railways, roadways, aviation, and digitalization—and the massive investment opportunities emerging as a result.

Derya Soysal · August 13, 2025

An Interview with the Uzbek Deputy Minister: Ilhom Umrzakov

interview with Ilhom Umrzakov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Derya Soysal · August 12, 2025

Interview With Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister

Interview With Kazakhstan’s Former Deputy Minister Of Foreign Affairs Roman Vassilenko

Derya Soysal · August 12, 2025

Kazakhstan’s Climate Vision

Interview With Zulfiya Suleimenova At Astana International Forum

Derya Soysal · August 12, 2025

Interview with the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States

In a special Forum organized in Brussels by HEPA and the Organization of Turkic States, the secretary general of the OTS Kubanychbek Omuraliev (pictured) gave an interview to Derya Soysal of EU Reporter on March 5, 2025.

EUReflect News · August 12, 2025

Interview with the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States

EUReflect News · August 12, 2025

Interview with Chinghiz Aitmatov’s son: Eldar Aitmatov,

Eldar Aitmatov, Chinghiz Aitmatov’s son

Derya Soysal · August 10, 2025

Interview with Chinghiz Aitmatov’s son

Eldar Aitmatov describes his father as a hero akin to the epic Manas, central to Kyrgyz identity, and shares that his favorite works are 'Spotted Dog Running on Seashore' and 'The White Cloud of Genghis Khan'.

Derya Soysal · August 9, 2025

Interview with Maral RAHYMOVA, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium, Mission of Turkmenistan to the EU

Maral Rahymova: “As the international community marks the United Nations-designated International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, initiated by Turkmenistan, the global spotlight is rightly focused on the enduring values of diplomacy, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

Derya Soysal · July 30, 2025

Interview with the External Advisor to the Ministry of Justice of Kazakhstan

Interview with the External Advisor to the Ministry of Justice on Inclusion about the Third Periodic Review of the Kazakhstan under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Derya Soysal · July 4, 2025