Türkiye stands ready to build bridges between continents, industries, and energy systems at a time when global cooperation is more vital than ever, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said Thursday.
"Our message is simple: Türkiye is open for business, open for innovation, and open for partnership," Bayraktar said, addressing the 18th Verona Eurasian Economic Forum in Istanbul.
"We will continue to play a constructive role in shaping the global economy as a reliable partner for shared prosperity and sustainable growth," he added.
Bringing together officials and business leaders, the forum is taking place in Istanbul on Oct. 30-31 under the theme "New Energy for New Economic Realities."
Bayraktar said that as the global economy navigates a period of significant uncertainty and transformation, bringing together such a diverse and high-caliber group of participants is both timely and commendable.
"This gathering also demonstrates a shared commitment to dialogue, cooperation and pursuit of sustainable growth across our wider Eurasian region," he added.
Noting that Türkiye sits at the crossroads of continents, both geographically and politically, Bayraktar said this position gives the country a natural advantage as "a center of gravity for regional and global cooperation."
"In the face of global uncertainty, Türkiye's strategy is very clear, flexible, forward-looking, and diversified," he added. "Over the past two decades, our economy has almost quadrupled in size. Our industrial base has changed significantly, and our export has expanded into different markets and to different geographies."
Bayraktar noted that Türkiye today is the world's 17th largest economy, with strong growth momentum, a dynamic private sector, and deep integration into global value chains. "Energy lies at the core of Türkiye's economic growth and strategic vision," he said.
"Our objective is to ensure secure, reliable, and affordable energy while driving our net-zero transition," he added.
By Handan Kazanci
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
