Your Excellency President Rahman,
Prime Minister Akilov,
Former Chairman of the ACD, Prime Minister Al Sabah,
Chairman of the ACD, Minister Zarifi,
Coordinator of the ACD, Minister Tovichakcaikul,
Distinguished Ministers and Colleagues,
I would like to congratulate our Tajik friends for hosting the 11th Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial meeting. I thank them for their hospitality.
I would also like to congratulate them on their successful leadership during their term of office.
ACD is an important organization with a broad membership covering the whole Asian continent.
The main idea behind the organization was to establish a new tool for regional cooperation, which would eventually establish a "bridge" between Asian regional forums, such as the ASEAN, the SAARC and the GCC.
This cooperation contributes to the expansion of Asian trade and increases Asian countries’ global economic competitiveness.
It is significant that, since the idea of the ACD was first proposed by our Thai colleagues in February 2002, the membership has extended from 18 countries to 32 within a decade.
Since its establishment, the ACD has also made an important progress on its stated goals.
It has been instrumental in identifying Asia’s strengths and challenges and promoting mutual understanding and economic cooperation among the Asian countries.
I am therefore particularly honored to be here today upon the kind invitation extended to us by our Tajik friends as a “Special Guest”.
In fact, this Ministerial Session of the ACD marks the first occasion where Turkey is represented at an ACD forum.
We wish to avail of this opportunity and closely follow the development of the ACD and its members’ collective activities.
Distinguished Participants,
Our government has set a clear goal in its foreign policy. First and foremost we seek peace, prosperity and security in our neighborhood and beyond.
We are determined to intensify our relations through vigorous multilateralism across all parts of the world.
But our home of course is Eurasia.
We highly value our historic, linguistic and cultural ties with a wide range of countries along the ancient Silk Road.
The countries in the region have traditionally seen Turkey as a natural gateway between Asia and Europe.
And the center of gravity between those regions is shifting. Indeed, the rise of Asia is one of the defining characteristics of the 21st century.
The ‘‘Asian Renaissance’’ has led to incredible economic growth, lifting millions out of poverty.
But it can not stop now.
We now need to set up the institutional structure to realizing the full potential of our collective capabilities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Asian countries can remain safe and secure only if they effectively and genuinely cooperate among themselves and with the international community.
Globalization brings interdependence, but at the same time makes us more aware of varying interest.
Thus, in a world defined by globalization, the need for a dialogue is greater than ever.
Therefore, we should coordinate and combine our efforts for an effective and result-oriented engagement among the countries of the continent.
We already observe that economic integration efforts are gaining pace in parallel with the evolving political and security environment in Asia.
Accordingly, Turkey is increasing its engagement with the region as a reliable partner.
We strive to further develop our good relations with the Asian countries at the bilateral and institutional levels.
Thus, Turkey regards the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an effective platform for cooperation.
Our accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation of ASEAN (ASEAN-TAC) in 2010 was a milestone in the process of forging institutional ties with the organization.
Our flourishing cooperation as a Dialogue Partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization can be seen as part of our general approach to foster closer ties with Asian regional mechanisms.
Moreover, through our Chairmanship of CICA, we are currently working towards cultivating a culture of confidence-building in Asia to establish an effective mechanism for dialogue.
It is also worth mentioning that Turkey actively participates in the work of other multilateral institutions operating in the Eurasian area, such as ECO, Turkic Council, D-8, BSEC and TRACECA.
Dear Participants,
Our Ministry has been working on a new Asia-Pacific Strategy. It is based on political, economic and people-to-people engagement with the regional countries.
The Asia-Pacific constitutes one of the strategic pillars of our multi-dimensional foreign policy.
We intend to enhance and institutionalize our cooperation with the countries in the region.
Our main tools for such cooperation are effective use of mechanisms like joint economic commissions and business councils.
Enhancing its presence in the region, Turkey has opened embassies in Myanmar and Sri Lanka in 2012, to be followed by Cambodia and Brunei in the near future.
During the last decade, high-level bilateral visits with the Asian countries have intensified and the number of scholarships allocated to the countries in the continent has been increased.
Furthermore, Turkey has accelerated its efforts toward cultural exchanges, especially youth exchange programs and dialogue among civilizations.
Our main carrier, Turkish Airlines, has also been increasing its destinations and flight frequencies in the region.
TİKA, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, has enhanced its development projects, especially in the Pacific Island countries and the LDC’s.
Distinguished Guests,
As you know, we share common ethnic, cultural, historical and linguistic ties with Central Asian countries.
This affinity has served as a valuable foundation for the development of our relations.
Currently we operate through High Level Strategic Council mechanisms with Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Cooperation Council mechanism with Tajikistan.
Turkey was the first country to recognize their independence and first to open embassies in their capitals.
In the last 21 years, we have closely worked together in assisting them to consolidate their achievements as sovereign and independent states.
Today, our region is turning into a major hub for gas and oil pipelines and trade corridors, stretching in all directions connecting China, Russia, Europe, the Caucasus, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.
Dear Colleagues,
Before concluding my remarks, I would like to say a few more words with respect to our bilateral relations with Tajikistan as the host of this meeting.
Turkey has strong and deeply rooted historical and cultural ties with Tajikistan.
Turkey and Tajikistan, as two brotherly countries enjoy excellent relations.
Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, who was famous for tolerance and support for dialogue is an important figure in our common cultural heritage, as many of you will recall.
I would like to thank you once again for the invitation and wish you every success in your deliberations.