ISTANBUL
Turkey’s EU Minister Volkan Bozkir has said the challenges of the 21st Century call for deep cooperation between states, stressing the importance of the dialogue Sunday.
Speaking at a special meeting of the World Economic Forum in Istanbul on Sunday, Bozkir said Turkey attached great importance to organization, adding that the forum will give "a new vision and many great ideas" to Turkey when regional conflicts and problems prevail.
"Turkey is located [between] Europe and Africa. It offers both challenges and big opportunities. Turkey stands out as democratic country that respects the rule of law, has pursued a free-market economy for a long time and has progressed towards EU membership.
"That’s why Turkey has been selected to host this event," he said.
Bozkir noted that the EU membership process has been renewed in a stronger manner, recalling that it was highlighted in a recently announced government program.
Nicholas Davis, World Economic Forum director, said Istanbul is the right place to discuss the dramatic changes and challenges that the region is going through now.
"We are facing a humanitarian crisis [and] many different incidents affecting individuals, economies and other things. We are here to discuss these problems and come up with solutions in order to make profit in the long term," he said.
The forum's special meeting in Istanbul will bring together over 500 political and business leaders under the theme ‘Unlocking Resources for Regional Development,’ and provide a neutral, high-level platform for leaders from Europe, the MENA region and Eurasia to work together to invigorate economies and promote long-term growth.
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