The key facts

  • Average GDP growth of Turkey over 23 years — 5.5% per year, according to Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan
  • The speech took place at the 19th Verona Eurasian Economic Forum in Istanbul
  • Statements about the Mecca Pact (Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia) and double standards in sanctions policy

Statement on economic growth

Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan, chairman of the Society for the Dissemination of Knowledge, stated at the 19th Verona Eurasian Economic Forum, which opened in Istanbul, that over 23 years of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rule, the Turkish economy grew by an average of 5.5% per year, despite geopolitical crises in the surrounding region.

A multipolar world and Turkey's role

According to him, Turkey occupies a central place in shaping a more peaceful and just international order. 'I think Turkey has found a path that can benefit the world as we move toward a multipolar order, but right now we are experiencing some growing pains in adapting to the new world order,' he said. He added that Ankara will play a key role in establishing the new order within the framework of the 'Turkish Century' concept. Erdogan also noted that Turkey ranks first in the world in humanitarian aid per capita, and Istanbul has become a convenient center for global conferences, since representatives of all countries can travel there, whereas some traditional host cities now face difficulties admitting certain delegations.

Europe, security, and the Mecca Pact

Erdogan stated that Europe should not rely solely on the United States on matters of sovereignty, and Turkey could take on greater responsibility in the region. He mentioned Turkey's counter-terrorism initiative, linking it both to internal difficulties that persisted for almost 50 years and to the interests of the region. According to him, the recently signed Mecca agreement on joint defense between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia demonstrates the readiness of middle-sized powers to ensure regional security; the pact stipulates that an attack on one of the parties is considered an attack on all three.

Criticism of double standards

Erdogan noted that economic inequality between the Global North and South is growing, and bias and double standards hinder dialogue. He compared the situation of the Palestinians with sanctions against Russia: 'Despite the ongoing genocide, there is no hope for sanctions against Israel at a level comparable to the EU sanctions against Russia. We see some limited steps from the UK and Canada, but these double standards continue to undermine trust in Europe,' the Anadolu agency quoted him as saying.