ISTANBUL

The 4th Polish-Turkish Economic Forum was held on Wednesday, focusing on Türkiye’s key role in ensuring energy security and stability, as well as green technologies and energy transformation.

The forum, held at the Polish Consulate General in Istanbul, was attended by Poland's Ambassador to Türkiye Maciej Lang, and other distinguished guests.

Lang said in his opening speech that the forum's goal was to increase economic cooperation between Türkiye and Poland by focusing on different sectors, emphasizing the importance of ensuring economic and energy security.

Poland has been involved in discussions over climate change for years, and the country wants to play a key role in the global green transition efforts by proposing innovative and cost-effective solutions that benefit all regions, the ambassador said.

He mentioned that Poland allocates around 1.4% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to energy and environmental projects and research to make strides in renewable energy, efficiency, clean energy, and green economies, investing billions of dollars in offshore wind energy and large-scale solar energy projects, among other endeavors.

“There is a great cooperation potential between Türkiye and Poland,” he said.

While attending the forum, Polish Consul General Witold Lesniak said opportunities for improving bilateral cooperation exist in the green energy, sustainable transportation, and energy-efficient infrastructure sectors.

“As Poland, we would like to contribute to these efforts with our high-tech solutions for cities, industries, and households,” he said.

Ercan Duman, chair of the Türkiye-Poland Business Council at the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), said at the event that Poland is an important partner for Turkish businesses due to its market size and geographical location, which serves as a gateway into regional markets.

Duman said the board is committed to increasing bilateral trade volume between Türkiye and Poland from $12 billion to $15 billion in the coming period.

He emphasized the importance of bilateral energy cooperation in achieving this goal.

"Türkiye's strategic geographical location makes it a vital energy corridor to Europe."

“Considering our shared net neutrality goals, we need to work together in joint initiatives for the transition to sustainable energy systems,” he added.

Joanna Zdanowska, deputy director at the Department of Adaptation to Climate Change and Urban Policy at the Polish Ministry of Climate and Environment, said at the event that green technology has become a common focus point in a world plagued by uncertainties, calling it the “language of hope and unity.”