Mr. Chairman,
Honorable Heads of State and Government,
Distinguished Ministers,
Secretary General,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me first say that Prime Minister Erdogan very much regrets not being able to attend the Sixth Summit of D-8 due to unforeseen commitments. He has asked me to transmit his warm greetings to you, Mr. Chairman, and to all participants.

I would also like to express my deep appreciation to you, Mr. Chairman, for the warm hospitality extended to us since our arrival, as well as for the excellent arrangements made for this important meeting.

Since the founding of D-8 in 1997, Turkey has attached great importance to the cooperation between its members. We remain committed to the goals and objectives of the Istanbul Declaration which forms the basis of our cooperation.

As you would all recall, we exchanged at that time our views regarding global economic developments and their effects on our countries.

As we all concurred then, poverty in the world may only be eliminated by improving conditions for all. In order for our economies to have sustainable competitiveness and to avoid barriers in the process of integrating into the world economy, we need a stable international macroeconomic environment. We have to comply with the principles of an open market economy. Furthermore, industrialization, human resource development and constructive partnership between public and private sectors continue to be the essential requirements of economic development.

Eleven years ago, while founding the D-8, we came together around the common goals of strengthening our economies and improving the welfare of our peoples. We decided to achieve these goals through cooperation and by our vast natural and dynamic human resources. Our main objectives continue to be the same.

In this context, while Turkish exports to the D-8 countries in the year 2000 amounted to 806 million US Dollars, by the year 2007 this figure more than tripled and reached 2.9 billion US Dollars. The imports in the year 2000 amounted to 1.7 billion US Dollars and by 2007 increased more than six fold and reached 11.1 billion US Dollars. By absorbing such large quantities of imports we, as Turkey, also contributed in our joint development.

Mr. Chairman,
Honorable Heads of State and Government,
Distinguished Representatives,

D-8 cooperation has a different structure from the existing international bodies or organizations. It evolved and matured since its inception. Although geographic distances between our nations might be considered as a disadvantage for realizing planned activities and producing further concrete projects, our political will for the enhancement of D-8 cooperation is strong enough to overcome these physical barriers. Moreover, by utilizing the means offered by technology and the information age, we can diversify and enhance our activities within the D-8. Our efforts towards making best use of the potentials of our countries will bear fruit to the benefit of the peoples of D-8.

The importance of economic and trade cooperation has increased in the face of intense international competition and the speedy transformation process in every sector that we are witnessing today. It is necessary for the member states to continue effective cooperation through long term policies. D-8 is a good platform of discussion about the transformations in the world economy. In this context, we have to pay attention to the recent food and energy crises. They are adding urgency to this process.

I have no doubt that specialized institutions in our respective countries will continue to have an increased interest towards the activities of D-8. And I believe they will continue to present new projects aimed at intensifying our cooperation.

The agreement reached at the present Summit, to establish the Secretariat on a firm basis by giving it legal personality, will help it assume a more effective role. We also welcome the decision reached at our meeting on the scale of contributions to the Secretariat which is also an important step forward for our cooperation. We now look forward to the conclusion of a Headquarters Agreement between my Government and the Secretariat.

Mr. Chairman,
Honorable Heads of State and Government,
Distinguished Ministers,

We sincerely believe that the D-8 should continue to follow its objectives with patience and determination. We should attribute predominance to trade issues. It has the priority among the D-8 issues. Improved cooperation in this field will bring benefits to all.

We are all aware of the important role that trade plays in a country’s economy and development. In this regard, Turkey fully supports endeavors within the framework of D-8 for the liberalization of trade and gradual removal of non-tariff barriers.

The ratification, in a timely manner, of the “Agreement on Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters” and the “Preferential Trade Agreement” (PTA) which we signed during the Bali Summit in 2006 as well as its annex on “Rules of Origin” that constitutes an integral part of the PTA, will constitute turning points of D-8. We welcome the readiness of six members to put these texts into force. And we are sure that the remaining two members will do so in the near future.


The activities of the private sector play an important role in the development of economic cooperation. As global competition intensifies, one way to obtain a share from rising prosperity is to strengthen the private sector and to increase mutual investments. Therefore, in order to enhance cooperation and communication between our private sectors;
- organizing trade fairs and trade shows;
- promoting mutual visits between representatives of private sectors;
- and bringing together our businessmen, would be beneficial.

At this point, I would also like to draw your attention to the “Agreement on the Simplification of Visa Procedures for Businessmen”. Now, this Agreement is signed by all of the 8, but has not yet been ratified by all members. If we want to give our businessmen a positive sign, we should expedite the ratification process of this Agreement as soon as possible.

We should also continue to promote activities such as the “Business Forum” which has been organized at the margins of this Summit.

We welcome the adoption today of the road map for cooperation in our second decade. It contains concrete objectives in many areas ranging from trade to tourism, transportation etc. We hope that these objectives can be reached and must ensure that no effort is spared to that end.

Mr. Chairman,
Honorable Heads of State and Government,

On this occasion, I would like to share with you briefly some recent developments in the Turkish economy.

Turkey has achieved serious improvements in macroeconomic indicators due to fiscal discipline and prudent monetary policies in the last 5 years. As a result of the reforms our economy has also accomplished an important structural transformation.
During 2002-2007 the Turkish economy has become one of the fastest growing economies. Per capita income has reached 9,333 US Dollars. PPP adjusted figure is even higher. This is the result of policies which put at their forefront the lifting of barriers for the private sector. Total external trade volume exceeded 300 billion USD. The economy has become much more resilient against global and domestic events.

Yet, we are aware that in order for the gains attained in recent years to become permanent, it is important to continue to implement structural reforms without interruption.

Mr. Chairman,
Honorable Heads of State and Government,

While concluding my remarks, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for Indonesia which held the D-8 Chairmanship-in-Office for the past two years and wish all the success to Malaysia as it assumes the Chairmanship-in-Office for the next two years.

Thank you.