“We have to further enhance our vision in economy and trade”
Speaking at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), President Erdoğan said: “We have to further enhance our vision in economy and trade, which are our organization’s main areas of cooperation. We must take steps together to increase our regional trade volume target of $100 billion to higher figures.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan under the theme of “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future”.
“THE ZERO WASTE PROJECT ADDS FURTHER STRENGTH TO OUR FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE”
“We are among the regions where the negative impacts of the climate crisis are felt most intensely. It is especially important in this period for all member countries to contribute to the vision of sustainable development centered on climate change. As Türkiye, we are transforming our key sectors to achieve net zero emissions by 2053 and realize our green development vision. With our innovative initiatives particularly in the field of energy, we have increased the share of renewable energy in total installed capacity to 59 percent, ranking 5th in Europe and 11th in the world. With our National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2024–2030, we aim to achieve a reduction of 100 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. Our climate law was adopted in Parliament the other day. The Zero Waste Project, which has been elevated to the global level under the auspices of my wife First Lady Emine Erdoğan, adds further strength to our fight against climate change. Since the beginning of the project, we have prevented approximately 6 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions. When our bid to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) is approved, we will strive for a fair, sustainable, transparent and inclusive approach between developed and developing countries. Türkiye is ready to share its strong experience and best practical examples with our organization. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you that the approval process of the founding documents of the clean energy and research centers to be established in Azerbaijan is at the final stage in our country,” President Erdoğan said.
“We have to further enhance our vision in economy and trade, which are our organization’s main areas of cooperation. We must take steps together to increase our regional trade volume target of $100 billion to higher figures. In this regard, we attach great importance to the organization of the 5th Trade Ministers' Meeting at the earliest possible convenience. I believe that the Strategic Objectives of Economic Cooperation 2035 Document, which will shape the next 10 years of our organization, will also provide a road map for us. In this process, it is inevitable that our organization will have a structure that is compatible with today's dynamics and needs. In this regard, it will be in our mutual interest to increase the effectiveness of our organization by simplifying cooperation processes, starting with the issues where we have not made progress for a long time. Likewise, this simplification should also be realized in our affiliated organizations. Our main expectation from our 2035 Vision Document, which we will shape within the framework of these issues, is to advance economic and commercial cooperation,” President Erdoğan said.
“I CONGRATULATE ALL OUR AZERBAIJANI BROTHERS AND ON THE SELECTION OF SHUSHA AS THE TOURISM CAPITAL OF THE ECO FOR 2026”
Pointing to the organization’s duty to cooperate in the field of tourism in addition to economy and trade, President Erdoğan said: “I believe that the decisions taken at the 6th Tourism Ministers' Meeting held in Erzurum, the tourism capital for 2025, will shed light on our path. As you know, many important international events were successfully held in Erzurum within the framework of the program, and these will continue until the end of the year. On this occasion, I would like to congratulate all our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters in the person of my friend, President Ilham Aliyev on the selection of Shusha as the tourism capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization for 2026.”
“ISRAEL'S AGGRESSIVE POLICIES THREATEN THE PEACE AND STABILITY OF OUR REGION”
“The developments in our region require us to address these issues, as well. Israel's increasingly aggressive policies under the current administration threaten the peace and stability of our region. We must work harder together to stop the atrocities in Gaza, where nearly 57 thousand of our brothers and sisters have lost their lives. We noted on the first day that the attacks on Iran were unacceptable. We have worked hard to prevent our region from being dragged into a greater catastrophe. We hope that the de facto ceasefire between the parties will be translated into tranquility,” President Erdoğan said.
Underlining that behind Israel's attacks on Lebanon, Syria and Iran lies the policy of bringing the Palestinian people to its knees,” President Erdoğan said: “We can neither abandon the Palestinian cause nor remain silent while the Netanyahu administration turns our region into a bloodbath. We will continue to speak the truth with courage and stand firmly with the oppressed against the oppressors.”
“INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST CONTINUE ITS FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND IMPROVE ITS RELATIONS WITH THE NEW ADMINISTRATION IN SYRIA”
“The stage that has been reached in Syria as a result of the people's years-long struggle is a beacon of hope for the region. We consider it critical and important for the international community to continue its financial support and improve its relations with the new administration,” President Erdoğan said.
“In Afghanistan, yet another important region, we believe that we must support the security, peace and development of the Afghan people. I would like to take this opportunity to express my condolences once again to our Pakistani brothers and sisters for the recent heinous act of terrorism,” President Erdoğan said.
“I BELIEVE THAT OUR ORGANIZATION WILL CONTINUE TO BOOST ITS SOLIDARITY WITH OUR TURKISH CYPRIOT BROTHERS AND SISTERS”
“I would like to especially emphasize the value we attach to our unity and solidarity within our Organization. I would like to extend my heartfelt greetings to my dear brother, President Ersin Tatar of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, who is with us today. I believe that our Organization will continue to boost its solidarity with our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters, who have been our observer members since 2012 and have been subjected to unjust isolation for decades. In this direction, I expect you to enhance your relations with the Turkish Cypriots in various fields from sports to culture, from economy to tourism,” President Erdoğan said.
