Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu participated in the international development conference entitled “International Development Cooperation: Trends and Emerging Opportunities-Perspectives of the New Actors” which is organized by TİKA and UNDP on 19-20 June 2014.

On the sidelines of the conference, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu and UNDP Administrator Helen Clark signed “Third Party Cost-Sharing Agreement” which is a new step in the Turkey-UNDP partnership which was enhanced by the decision to establish UNDP Regional Center for Europe and the CIS in İstanbul.

Within the framework of the agreement which points out Turkey’s enhanced focus on sustainable and inclusive growth in the region, Turkey undertakes to contributing 3 million dollars each year for a five-year period, to support regional program in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Speaking at the signing ceremony Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stated that development cooperation is an integral part of Turkish foreign policy. Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stated that with the agreement Turkey will contribute 15 million US Dollars to UNDP Regional Program for Europe and CIS, which will be implemented by the UNDP Regional Service Center located in İstanbul.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu underlined the partnership between Turkey and UNDP gets stronger day by day. And he said “I would like to express our pleasure to host UNDP and other UN bodies in İstanbul, which is fast becoming a regional hub for UN and other international organizations.”

UNPD President Helen Clark thanked for the significant financial contribution made by the Government of Turkey. Clark also added “We have enjoyed excellent cooperation with Turkish Government, and we look forward to working together to achieve concrete, transformative change in the lives of the people of the region.”