The Turkish side is in favor of deepening regional cooperation, including with the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This was stated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the SCO summit, which is being held in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, quoted by Anadolu Agency.
The 22nd SCO summit is the first in the organization’s history where Turkey is represented at the presidential level. The Turkish leader participated in the meeting as a “special guest”.
The organization, in which China, Russia, India, Pakistan and the former Soviet republics of Central Asia are members, was created in 2001 as an instrument for political, economic cooperation and interaction in the field of security – a competitor of Western associations, notes France Presse.
Addressing the meeting participants, the President of Turkey drew attention to the strategic importance of the geopolitical situation of his country.
“Turkey’s position as a ‘bridge’ between East and West opens up great opportunities. We are ready for cooperation in all areas: from economy to energy, from transport to tourism,” said the head of state.
According to him, the status of “dialogue partner” has allowed Turkey to use the SCO platform as a “window” for cooperation with Asian countries in the past 10 years.
“Global cooperation and close interaction is the key to solving the problems and challenges of our time. Ankara’s goal is to form a belt of peace both in the region and beyond through diplomatic efforts based on the values of humanism,” the president stressed.
Erdoğan recalled calls for reforming the global world order, which would shape a fairer world agenda.
“We live in a time when problems are becoming global. Unfortunately, a number of countries are pursuing a policy of creating new barriers to international cooperation, Erdogan said.
He noted that Turkey allocates approximately 1 percent of its gross domestic product to humanitarian aid.
Erdogan said that Turkey is making a real contribution to ensuring global food security. According to him, Ankara closely cooperates with the UN on the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea.
With the mediation of Turkey and the UN, Kyiv and Moscow signed an agreement in Istanbul on July 22 to resume supplies of Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports.
We have very productive cooperation with the UN and with the interested parties for the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. We are trying to draw attention to the fact that grain from Ukraine must reach our brothers and sisters mainly in Africa. Especially for those who are in dire need of it,” emphasized the Turkish president, quoted by TASS.
In his speech, the head of state drew attention to the topic of the threat of terrorism.
“Turkey continues to fight against acts of terrorism, although it has repeatedly been left without support – alone with this threat,” Erdogan said.
