President Erdoğan: Turkey continues to be an island of stability in its region

 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a speech at the 10th Turkey Investment Conference held in New York by the Turkey-U.S. Business Council.

“WE WANT TO FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE AGENDA BETWEEN OUR COUNTRIES”

Describing the alliance relation between Turkey and the U.S., which he noted is based on mutual interests, as strong, comprehensive and strategic, President Erdoğan said: “Although we have differences of opinion from time to time, our partnership has so far overcome many challenges. And, in the recent period, we have gone through a process during which Turkey-U.S. relations have been seriously tested. Yet, thanks to the close dialogue and communication that I have established with my valuable friend President Trump, we are overcoming this troublesome period. Obviously, some circles are disturbed by this or envy it. As the two leaders, we want to focus on the positive agenda between our countries, one of the most important topics of which is to carry our economic and trade relations to a level that will reflect their true potential.”

“COUNTRIES THAT SEEK TO STRENGTHEN THEIR TRADE DO NOT PUT OBSTACLES BETWEEN THEMSELVES”

Stressing that the 21-billion-dollar trade volume between Turkey and the U.S. is not sufficient, President Erdoğan noted: “Frankly, I believe that we can quickly achieve the goal of 100 billion dollars through the mutual efforts of our governments, our support and through the strong will we, as the two Presidents, display. Firstly, we must iron out a kink at this point. Countries that seek to strengthen their trade do not put obstacles between themselves. We want the U.S. to review some of the measures it has implemented against our country and lift them. In particular, decisions like increasing the tariffs for our steel and aluminum exports and excluding us from the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences must be reversed.”

“TURKEY CONTINUES TO BE AN ISLAND OF STABILITY IN ITS REGION”

Drawing attention to what he called as the biased and intentional campaign carried out concerning the Turkish economy since July 15 coup attempt, President Erdoğan stated: “However, Turkey, despite the global recession and political, security and humanitarian crises in its vicinity, continues to be an island of stability in its region. The macro indicators and foundations of the Turkish economy are quite strong and healthy. This is also evidenced by the fact that the direct investments made in Turkey since 2002 amounts to more than 215 billion dollars.

“THE JULY 15, 2016 COUP ATTEMPT IS THE BIGGEST EVER ACT OF TERROR AGAINST THE TURKISH DEMOCRACY”

Turkey, over the past 17 years, has thwarted many attacks targeting its democracy while also strengthening its economy and boosting the prosperity of its citizens in a just manner, President Erdoğan said, describing the July 15, 2016 coup attempt by Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) as the biggest ever act of terror against the Turkish democracy. Emphasizing Turkey’s determination to maintain its fight against FETO until each and every putschist is brought to justice, President Erdoğan said. “However, the fact that FETO’s leader continues to live in Pennsylvania as if nothing had happened despite folders full of evidence we have conveyed hurts our nation and families of martyrs. It is a grave contradiction that the U.S., a country claiming to be strong in democracy and freedoms, embraces those who target democracy. I would like to once again emphasize that we expect the U.S. authorities to take necessary steps on this issue.”

“WE WANT U.S. FIRMS TO BENEFIT FROM INCENTIVE ADVANTAGES TURKEY OFFERS”

Drawing attention to Turkey’s substantial labor potential with its young and qualified population, President Erdoğan underlined that the investment environment in the country harbors enormous opportunities and that every support is provided to foreign investors. “We host almost every day international firms that want to invest in our country,” President Erdoğan said, and added: “We provide every support to international firms via our relevant units, first and foremost the Investment Office. We also want American firms to enjoy the advantages we provide in terms of international investment incentives. Our doors are wide open to everyone who will invest, create added value and generate jobs in our country.”