Before presenting the award, İsmail Cem, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: "Today, we are assembled here to present the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Distinguished Service Award to Professor İhsan Doğramacı - renowned not only in Turkey but also in the international arena, as a distinguished physician, intellectual, scientist and a man of high human values." Cem also observed that Prof. Doğramacı is an exceptional person who has devoted his entire life to the service of his country and people, as well as to humanity around the world. He then presented the award to the distinguished "Hoca" İhsan Doğramacı, as a token of the deep gratitude and appreciation of the Foreign Ministry.

Prof. Doğramacı gave a brief but emotional speech after the presentation. He noted that this award was unique among the awards he has received since it was awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented by the internationally recognized personality, İsmail Cem, and offered in the company of such an impressive audience. He offered a special acknowledgment to his wife, Ayser Doğramacı, for all her support in helping him realize his achievements, and also expressed his thanks to his colleagues who have played a big part in his success. Some of his achievements are the founding of Bilkent and Hacettepe Universities, the Hacettepe Institute of Child Health and Children's Hospital, the first schools in Turkey offering Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Nursing at university level, as well as Dietetics and Nutrition. He also founded the International Symphony Orchestra at Bilkent University.