The World Economic Forum (WEF) Türkiye Country Strategy Meeting was held in Istanbul last night, hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Meeting with senior executives of the world’s and Türkiye’s leading companies at the Dolmabahçe Office, President Erdoğan said in his speech, “The whole world feels the negative effects of the war in a wide range of areas, from energy markets to the functioning of production, informatics, transportation and trade networks. As I have stated before on different occasions, all humanity, as well as the parties to the conflict, are paying the price of this meaningless, unlawful and unnecessary war that has deeply shaken our region for a month.”

MEETING ON COMMON GROUND

President Erdoğan said that while there is an opportunity to find common ground through diplomacy and dialogue, we all bear the burden of the sabotage of these roads together as the human family, and added: “It is a fact that if the conflicts do not end, the price to be paid will increase. Geographic distance will not have any meaning in this process, and even countries located on different continents will be more affected by the energy dimension, as it is understood.”

Erdoğan emphasized that global risk analyzes reveal that the international system has entered a more competitive and more fragile period and said, “In this new period, the global economic order is exposed to threats from many fronts. The erosion of energy security and supply chains, the erosion of the international trade regime and protectionist policies increase vulnerabilities, and all these developments reduce the number of stable economies.”

Türkiye’s POSITION

At the meeting held with the theme “Growth in a Global Center: Strengthening Competitiveness and Resilience”, Türkiye’s position in the global economy and cooperation opportunities were discussed. Within the scope of the meeting, the strategic dialogue session, attended by 23 international investors from 16 countries with a total value of 1.2 trillion dollars from different sectors such as manufacturing, technology, energy, finance, infrastructure, asset management, health, food and aviation, witnessed comprehensive evaluations on Türkiye’s role in the global economic system, investment potential and long-term growth perspective. The meeting was attended by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, Presidential Investment and Finance Office President Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu, President of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Fatih Karahan and AK Party’s Deputy Chairman in charge of the economy Nihat Zeybekci, as well as BlackRock President and Chairman of the Board of Directors and World Economic Forum. Forum Co-Chairman Laurence Fink and World Economic Forum President and Chief Executive Officer Alois Zwinggi also attended.

PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN RECEIVED LAURENCE D. FINK

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received World Economic Forum and BlackRock President Laurence D. Fink at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Working Office. Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar were also present at the meeting, which was closed to the press. During the meeting, global economy, investment opportunities and cooperation in the field of energy were discussed.

According to the statement made by the Directorate of Communications, within the scope of the 5th STRATCOM Summit organized by the Directorate in Istanbul this year, “A Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Joint Working Commissions and Committees within the Scope of the Turkey-Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform” was signed between the Directorate of Communications of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey and the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Presidential Communications Director Prof. Dr. It was signed by Burhanettin Duran and President of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ahmed İsmayilov. The memorandum of understanding envisages the development of existing cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan in the fields of digital and social media, audiovisual media, strategic communication and crisis management. With the memorandum of understanding, the parties agreed to establish a joint working commission and standing committees within the Türkiye-Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform.

Turkey-Azerbaijan Joint Media Platform was established within the scope of the “Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Cooperation Between Turkey and Azerbaijan in the Field of Media” signed on December 10, 2020, during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Azerbaijan. The platform aims to strengthen the integration between the media of the two countries, ensure accurate information to the public and carry out a joint fight against disinformation.

Minister Kurum spoke at the high-level event held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to celebrate International Zero Waste Day.

Stating that the meeting in question was organized to protect the future of humanity and to remember respect for nature and its resources, Kurum said:

“We all know that the steps Türkiye takes today in the fight against zero waste and the climate crisis will shape the world of tomorrow. This is very clear; it is not possible to protect our future without changing our consumption habits. The amount of waste we produce today has exceeded the rate of nature’s renewal. As Turkey, in the words of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we have considered this understanding not as a policy, but as a mobilization.

We initiated a social transformation that touched the lives of millions of people and changed habits in a short time. Because our nature is tired, our resources are diminished, our balance is disrupted. Look, even in 2022 alone, we have wasted approximately 1 billion tons of food, that is, approximately 1/5 of the total food. Just reducing food waste; “It stands before us as a climate solution that can have a very high impact.”

“ZERO WASTE IS NOT A CHOICE, IT IS AN OBLIGATION”

Explaining the importance of zero waste with examples, Kurum said, “Zero waste is not a choice, it is an obligation. As Turkey, we supported this idea not only with individual efforts, but also with corporate and social mobilizations.” he said.

The institution stated that today 205 thousand points in Türkiye are equipped with the Zero Waste Management System, the recovery rate has increased to 36 percent, and that they have made a change in mentality in every segment of the society, thus, 74.5 million tons of waste was recycled, 553 million trees were saved and 150 million tons of carbon emissions were prevented.

“We will strive to ensure that the steps we take as Turkey during the COP31 process are not limited to our own country, but spread from neighboring countries to Africa, from Asia to Latin America,” said Kurum, adding that this “will not remain just words, but they will look for a way to take action.”

Emphasizing that they now have “zero tolerance” against climate change and stating that they will “give the strongest message” to the whole world at COP31 in Antalya, Minister Kurum invited everyone in the hall to Antalya.

Stating that they will fully support the development of all innovative systems and concrete commitments regarding the prevention of food waste during COP31, with a zero waste approach, the Authority said, “Every step we take today will determine the future of not only Türkiye but also the world. We are the voice of humanity and the pioneers of action.” he said.

The institution underlined that President Erdoğan’s wife, Emine Erdoğan, gifted the zero waste movement to humanity as an initiative of conscience and heart, and said:

“The following warning of First Lady Erdoğan is very valuable: ‘Türkiye, with its high sense of responsibility towards our common home, should be a guide to all nations who want to switch to zero waste.” We must be a guide because if a school in Pakistan separates waste, a village in Africa will have clean water. If an island in Indonesia carries out a sea cleanup, coral reefs in the Caribbean will revive. If a business in Germany implemented a zero waste system, air and water quality would improve in cities across Asia. “Now we are taking our understanding of the global, of humanity, to a new phase.”

At the high-level event, video messages of Emine Erdoğan, the intellectual architect and supporter of the Zero Waste Project, and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has supported this project since its establishment as the highest official of the UN, were published.

Minister Kurum addressed the permanent representatives present at the meeting at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, where he came within the scope of “March 30 International Zero Waste Day”.

Stating that the world is the “common home of humanity”, Kurum said, “The world is changing, global realities are being reshaped. The period we are going through is a period in which geopolitical fractures increase, uncertainties deepen, and risks increase, and we are all affected by this.” he said.

The institution emphasized that tensions in the Middle East and risks in the Strait of Hormuz threaten energy and water security, and pointed out that the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, regional security and energy flows are under pressure, and the codes of regional and global political balances have changed radically.

Noting that drought, water stress and extreme weather events are increasing globally, in addition to all these, the Authority evaluated that the negative effects of the climate crisis have triggered a political, economic and cultural transformation.

Minister Kurum continued as follows:

“We know that we also have responsibilities towards our world. Now, every morning, we wake up to the painful consequences and devastating effects of a natural disaster in any corner of the world. If humanity is to reach a sustainable future, there is only one way to achieve this. That is to reach a world order in which all countries have equal rights. As our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, it is a change of understanding that leaves no one behind, establishing a more just world. The basis of our COP31 vision is “This is turning commitments into practice, building trust and producing concrete results for a more just world.”

“WE CONSIDER COP31 AS A GLOBAL TURNING POINT”

Kurum, who is also the President of COP31, stated that half of the world’s population experiences water scarcity for at least one month of the year and that electricity needs are expected to increase by over 40 to 50 percent by 2035.

The institution said, “Perhaps the most striking data is this; the global climate financing need is at the level of 7.5 to 9 trillion dollars annually. The financing reached today is only at the level of 1.9 trillion dollars. You know what this difference tells us; if this struggle does not accelerate, the cost will grow exponentially.” he said.

For this reason, Kurum underlined that they do not see COP31 only as a platform where new commitments are expressed, and said, “We consider COP31 as a global turning point; we are preparing for the process with strong experience and a clear vision.” he said.

“SAY NO MORE WORDS, PRODUCE MORE RESULTS”

Pointing out the importance of producing solutions rather than talking, the institution said, “Our COP31 Presidency approach is based on 3 basic principles; dialogue, consensus and action. With dialogue, we will re-establish humanity’s trust in us. With consensus, we will find common solutions to our common problem. Let’s sit down and talk correctly, the world expects and says this; do not say more words, produce more results. We have to respond to this expectation of our people. We must re-establish trust in the multilateral system.” he said.

Emphasizing that they will work for concrete steps on this issue as the COP31 Presidency, the Institution stated that they will put critical topics such as financing, technology transfer and capacity development “at the heart of” COP31, and that transformation without finance, acceleration without technology, and sustainability without capacity are not possible.

Minister Kurum said:

“Our COP31 agenda will be to take concrete and measurable steps. We will reduce emissions in the field of waste management and strengthen the circular economy. We will share the zero waste movement and our achievements, which started under the auspices of the esteemed Emine Erdoğan and today turned into a global environmental campaign, with the whole world. We will contribute to creating solutions for 730 million people who do not have access to clean energy. We will align the industrial sector with net zero targets. We will expand climate resilient cities. In the areas of water, agriculture and food security. “We will strengthen adaptation policies, take steps that protect biodiversity and increase carbon sink areas, and bring our youth to the center of the fight against the climate crisis.”

The institution states, “Commitment is a statement of intent; implementation is trust.” He underlined that the COP31 Presidency aspires to build this trust and that Türkiye is determined to carry this process to a ground that produces results.

“THIS CALL IS A GLOBAL CALL FOR A RETURN TO THE SELF”

In the last part of its speech, the institution said, “Today, in your presence, I will make a call to all humanity; this call is a global call to return to the essence. As all humanity, we must return to our innate nature, to the essence that makes us who we are. We must unite our intentions, hearts and hands against the climate crisis, which has become a human problem.” he said.

Stating that humanity has to make a choice, Kurum said, “We will either return to our essence, which regards nature as a trust to be protected, or we will disappear along with the world we have destroyed. We will either continue to follow the current course, or we will direct the course with a common will.” he said.

The institution said, “With our strong leadership at COP31, we will make trust, cooperation, brotherhood and action dominant in global climate diplomacy.” He invited the country representatives in the hall to “be part of this common will, contribute to the solution and produce results together.”

The meeting, held at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office, brought together senior executives of the world’s leading companies with Türkiye’s economic management and economic bureaucracy. In his speech here, President Erdoğan said that the participants came together on the occasion of the meeting to both listen to their evaluations of the Turkish economy and understand how companies will position Türkiye in their future vision.

Stating that in recent years, the global economy has been dragged into an agenda shaped by the post-pandemic recovery process, green and digital transformation, increasing trade tensions and geopolitical developments, Erdoğan said:

“The whole world feels the negative effects of the war in a wide range of areas, from energy markets to the functioning of production, informatics, transportation and trade networks. As I have stated before on different occasions, all humanity, as well as the parties to the conflicts, are paying the price of this meaningless, unlawful and unnecessary war that has deeply shaken our region for a month. While there is an opportunity to find a common ground through diplomacy and dialogue, we all, as the human family, bear the burden of sabotaging these roads. It is a fact that if the conflicts do not end, the price to be paid will also increase. Geographically “Distance will not have any meaning in this process, and even countries located on different continents will apparently be more affected by the energy dimension.”

Emphasizing that global risk analyzes reveal that the international system has entered a more competitive and more fragile period, Erdoğan said, “In this new period, the global economic order is exposed to threats from many fronts. The erosion of energy security and supply chains, the erosion of the international trade regime and protectionist policies increase vulnerabilities, and all these developments reduce the number of stable economies.” he said.

AT THE MEETING, Türkiye’S POSITION IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY AND COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES WERE DISCUSSED

At the meeting held with the theme “Growth in a Global Center: Strengthening Competitiveness and Resilience”, Türkiye’s position in the global economy and cooperation opportunities were discussed.

Within the scope of the meeting, the strategic dialogue session, attended by 23 international investors from 16 countries with a total value of 1.2 trillion dollars from different sectors such as manufacturing, technology, energy, finance, infrastructure, asset management, health, food and aviation, witnessed comprehensive evaluations on Türkiye’s role in the global economic system, investment potential and long-term growth perspective.

The strategic dialogue session was attended by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, Presidential Investment and Finance Office President Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu, President of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Fatih Karahan and AK Party’s Deputy Chairman in charge of the economy Nihat Zeybekci, as well as BlackRock President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. and World Economic Forum Co-President Laurence Fink and World Economic Forum President and Chief Executive Officer Alois Zwinggi.

In the sessions held within the framework of the meeting, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek made a comprehensive presentation on economic stability and macroeconomic policy and evaluated Türkiye’s reform agenda, fiscal discipline approach and policies to strengthen the investment environment.

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar discussed Türkiye’s energy supply security, diversification strategies and goals of becoming an energy center in the session titled energy security and resource management.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan moderated the session, which included Türkiye’s role in regional stability and security, its position in the geoeconomic transformation process and perspectives on strengthening international cooperation.

The meeting, held at a time when increasing uncertainties in the global economy, geopolitical developments and value chains are being reshaped, aims to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the public and private sectors, support investment-oriented growth and further consolidate Türkiye’s position as a “connection point” in the global economy.

Concrete areas of cooperation for increasing Türkiye’s competitiveness, strengthening economic resilience, supporting sustainable growth and accelerating international direct investments were also discussed at the meeting.

The World Economic Forum Turkey Country Strategy Meeting stands out as an important platform that reinforces Türkiye’s strategic role in the global economy, encourages multilateral cooperation and contributes to strengthening the common vision for the future.

KURDISH GROUPS IN IRAN

Fidan emphasized that they are following the situation in Iran very closely and said, “The issue of our Kurdish brothers in the (Iran) region being abused at a certain point and being used in this game is, of course, something we do not want to see. We also know that certain organizations are contacted by Mossad at this point.” he said.

Stating that the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) is following this very sensitively, Hakan Fidan said:

“Our perspective on the situation of our Kurdish brothers in Syria, Iraq and Iran is always clear. Where our president stands is clear, where we stand. We will neither allow the oppression of the people there, nor the abuse of other countries against their own affairs.”

Fidan stated that the abuse of certain Kurdish groups and their use for the purposes of others and then causing greater problems is an issue that serves regional instability.

Minister Fidan said, “Since this is an issue we follow closely, we keep it under control as much as possible, but on the other hand, Israel’s pursuit of this issue does not end. The contact and announced offers on this issue continue without hiding. Our opposition to this will continue.” he said.

Stating that Iran has gained a strategic advantage by closing the Strait of Hormuz, Fidan said that if the Island, where 70 or 80 percent of Iranian oil is exported, is captured, the USA will also gain a strategic advantage.

Fidan pointed out that such moves are constantly made to put more pressure on the other side and maintain strategic superiority in the war, and said that this is “in the nature of war”.

Drawing attention to the importance of making progress in ceasefire and peace negotiations before operations that will have a permanent impact are activated, Fidan stated that if such military steps are taken, the return of the process may become difficult and the balances at the negotiation table may be seriously affected.

Fidan emphasized that the parties reshape their discourse and demands depending on the balance of power in the field and said, “Whoever holds the bigger card at that moment, the language they use and the conditions they put forward change.” made his assessment.

Türkiye’s POLITICAL LINE

Underlining that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has developed very different creative approaches to solving problems within the state since the day he became prime minister, Fidan said that these approaches are mainly result-oriented.

Emphasizing that Türkiye interacts with different cultures due to its geographical location and that it needs to develop regional analysis, stance and action regarding all of them, Fidan said, “Now, where we stand, our political line is clear. Türkiye’s historical journey, its relationship with the cultures, nations and peoples in this geography are clear, and the lessons we have learned from modern events in the world are obvious. Why should development, prosperity, happiness, stability and peace not exist in other parts of the world, that is, in the regions where we live?” he said.

Pointing out that all the countries around Türkiye have their own opportunities, opportunities, crises and troubles, Fidan said that Türkiye cannot separate itself from them.

Fidan pointed out that Türkiye’s political culture is not about dominance, but about cooperation in every field, and continued as follows:

“The most important reason why our policies of calling for cooperation and peace have gained value is this; you are a strong country, you have the opportunity to carry out such events by using other tools. Just like other countries. With brute force, more deceitful ways, more covert activities… But we do not want this. It will be more open, more transparent, for the benefit of everyone. With the voluntary participation of everyone. Because, frankly, when you look at it, all the countries in our region have to think about their own interests.”

Pointing out the importance of the fact that both he and President Erdoğan have known other actors in the region for a long time, Fidan said:

“This continuity, the fact that the leaders of the region have known our President for years, the trust and stability that has been established there, this is a factor that has a great impact on national relations. People come and listen to him, trust him, in quotation marks, ‘ask him to cut the racon’ or say ‘Chief, you tell us’, I have heard these hundreds of times, it is of course not right to name the countries where ‘we will do whatever you say’, that is, it can happen from Africa, it can happen from somewhere else, it can happen from there. Our President also responds to these problems with great humility. “It has always shown the will to solve problems by leaning in with knowledge, and this has made Türkiye a reliable and stable actor in the region. If they saw that we are bending certain events to our advantage, we are looking for cheap benefits or constant abuses, we are trying to cause people to fight against each other, to cause sectarian wars, to cause ethnic wars, or to prefer one over the other and crush the other, none of these policies would be successful. So, what we say is what we do for years.”

Türkiye IS ONE VOICE ON PALESTINE

Stating that all political parties in Türkiye share the same view on Gaza and Palestine, Fidan said, “There may be a difference of opinion and conflict on every issue in Türkiye, but it is truly a sight that people are proud of. All political parties of all colors are speaking with a single voice on this issue.” he said.

Emphasizing the need for criticism in democracy, Fidan said, “Opposition may not actually have a weapon other than criticism. When it is done qualifiedly, it has a place in our heads. But those who take half of a sentence I said, cut off half of it and act as opposition without looking at the other… This is another issue. As I said, this happens, but in general, I see that there is a common stance on both the Palestine issue and other regional issues. This gives us more responsibility.” he said.

Stating that he expressed this situation at the meeting in Riyadh, Fidan said, “So, our nation has a very serious stance against the magnitude of the discord caused by Israel. At the same time, there are Pakistanis. So, if you are going to take a stance here, you need to explain this to the Muslim public very seriously, convince and win.” he said.

Fidan pointed out that he was pleased that Türkiye agreed on this issue and said, “I hope Turkey will achieve this unity on many vital issues. The good thing is that we have unity of thought. I think we will produce more impact if we reach a unity of action and unity of understanding.” made his assessment.

GAZA AGENDA

Fidan shared the information that he attended the online meeting of the Committee within the scope of the Peace Council on Gaza and stated that they discussed the steps to be taken.

Emphasizing that some issues regarding issues such as humanitarian aid, shelter and border gates need to be implemented, Fidan noted that Gaza has never been off Türkiye’s agenda.

Fidan said, “For us, the number one danger in Gaza is the dehumanization and de-Palestinization of Gaza.” He underlined that they will do everything they can to prevent this.

Stating that Israel continues its regional expansionist policies with the attacks it carries out in Lebanon under the name of “fighting against Hezbollah”, Fidan noted that the international community should pay attention to what is happening in Lebanon.

Fidan stated that countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Jordan, which are interested in the Lebanon and Gaza issue, find themselves “in another fire” and that he warned the countries in the Gulf region not to “get involved in issues that will make Israel’s job easier” and not to ignore the crisis areas.

Fidan explained that a Druze leader contacted the Turkish Ambassador and requested that Türkiye send containers to help the Druze who returned to Syria, and informed that they are working on this issue.

ATTITUDE OF EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Fidan stated that Europeans have experienced that Israel’s policies in the region, starting from Gaza, have led to global crises. “They have seen how the genocide in Gaza caused a social rupture in European capitals, activated fault lines, and had an impact on politics. They saw how the ongoing operations in Iran, the war, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz turned into an energy cost.” he said.

“While the US-Israel and Iran war is in its 3rd week, it has had more impact than the war that has been going on for 5 years (Russia-Ukraine War).” Fidan said, pointing out the impact of the problems in the energy market and commercial issues on this situation.

Fidan pointed out that Israel’s actions affect the whole world and said, “At some point, the rampage of this Zionist network needs to be stopped with a global unity.” he said.

RISK OF INTER-SECTANT CONFLICT IN THE REGION

Stating that some elements of Hashd al-Shaabi in Iraq have taken a stance on going to war on the side of Iran, Fidan said, “Of course, when you go to war, you are responded to. Therefore, they have become the target of Israel and America. There is such a reciprocal thing. Especially, most of the missiles fired at the Arab countries neighboring Iraq are fired from here. I hope a ceasefire will be declared here as soon as possible and this leap in Iraq will not be further.” he said.

Fidan explained that sectarian wars should be a thing of the past and that they are trying to prevent the spread of war by contacting American, Kurdish, Arab and Iranian leaders as well as Hashd al-Shaabi leaders.

Emphasizing that Türkiye’s goal in the region is the same as before the war, Fidan drew attention to the importance of cooperation.

Fidan noted the following about regional goals:

“Now, we wholeheartedly believe that there can be a cooperation, a security basin, a basin of stability in Iran in the Gulf, within the Gulf itself, in a large geography that includes Türkiye, Pakistan and Egypt. There are possibilities for this. If this happens, the unity that will emerge will produce tremendous economic power, political power and military competence. Energy infrastructures, market breadth, geographical breadth and diversity will be incredible. It has given tremendous support to the contribution of both our own regional stability and global stability.” “We actually seem far away from this right now, but there is no reason why it shouldn’t happen.”