ISTANBUL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Friday that the price of a “senseless, unlawful, and unnecessary war shaking our region” is being paid not only by the parties to the conflict but by “all of humanity.”

Erdogan made the remarks during a World Economic Forum (WEF) Türkiye Country Strategy Meeting in Istanbul, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.

“When diplomacy and dialogue offer common ground, the burden of sabotaging these paths is borne by all of humanity,” Erdogan said, warning that if conflicts continue, the costs will be severe and geographic distance will offer no protection.

He added that the repercussions of war are being felt globally, affecting energy markets, production, information technology, transportation, and trade networks.

Erdogan noted that in recent years, the global economy has been driven by an agenda shaped by the post-pandemic recovery process, green and digital transformation, rising trade tensions, and geopolitical developments.

"One thing is certain: if the conflicts do not end, the bill to be paid will also swell. In this process, geographical distance will not matter; in fact, countries located on different continents will be even more affected, especially in terms of energy, as far as it seems," he added.

Erdogan stressed that rising energy risks, fragile supply chains, and protectionism are making the global economy more vulnerable and fewer economies stable.

At the meeting, themed Growing at a Global Hub: Strengthening Competitiveness and Resilience, Türkiye's position and cooperation opportunities in the global economy were discussed.

A strategic dialogue session with 23 international investors from 16 countries, representing sectors worth $1.2 trillion, evaluated Türkiye's role, investment potential, and long-term growth prospects.

The discussions were also attended by BlackRock CEO and WEF co-chair Laurence Fink, and World Economic Forum interim President and CEO Alois Zwinggi.

During the sessions, Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek discussed the country's reforms and investment policies, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar covered energy security and diversification, and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed Türkiye's role in regional stability and international cooperation.

The meeting also explored concrete areas for cooperation to boost Türkiye’s competitiveness, strengthen economic resilience, support sustainable growth, and accelerate foreign direct investment.