(MENAFN) The Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), Mathias Cormann, spoke at the launch of the organization's Istanbul Center on Wednesday, highlighting Turkey's unique position to contribute to global cooperation and dialogue as a physical bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Cormann praised Turkey for its generosity in hosting more than 3.5 million Syrian refugees and for its role as an "incredibly effective facilitator" in the recently renewed Black Sea grain deal, which has helped ensure millions of people worldwide have access to food and basic supplies.
Turkey, a founding member of the OECD, has been a strong advocate for the organization's instruments and policy best practices, particularly towards South Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East and North Africa region, according to Cormann. The Istanbul Center, which was opened in January 2021 and officially launched on Wednesday, will provide political support in many fields, including tax administration, insolvency and bankruptcy laws, integration of global supply chains, transport connectivity, and infrastructure development. The center will also connect original programs in Southeast Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle Eastern North Africa region, encouraging policy cooperation and dialogue among these regions.
Cormann noted that the Istanbul Center has already made important contributions to the OECD's outreach efforts in less than a year since it started operating, hosting eight major events that attracted participants from around the globe. He also announced that the center will host a sustainable infrastructure program in Asia to provide policymakers with training and capacity building to transition towards sustainable energy, transport, and industry.
In addition to praising Turkey's contributions to the OECD and its global mission, Cormann expressed his condolences for the twin devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria in February, causing more than 50,000 deaths and affecting around 13 million people in 11 provinces. He said, "We continue to grieve with the families and friends of the victims of this terrible disaster, our hearts go out to the Turkish people." Overall, Cormann's speech highlighted the importance of Turkey's role in promoting global cooperation and dialogue, particularly in the regions surrounding Istanbul.
MENAFN30032023000045014228ID1105905360
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.