President Erdogan Calls for Increased Transport Integration among OIC Members

JAKARTA - The President of Turkey on Thursday called for stronger transport integration among members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), saying an effective and reliable network is essential to unlocking the economic potential of the Islamic world.

In a video message to the OIC transport ministers meeting in Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Muslim countries stretch across a vast geographical area from Asia to Africa and Europe to the Middle East, controlling natural corridors, dynamic young populations, and rapidly growing markets.

"However, to fully realize this great potential and turn geographical advantages into strategic strengths, we need an efficient, reliable and integrated transportation network," he said, launching Anadolu (13/2).

Furthermore, President Erdogan said that stronger links between highways, railways, ports and airports would increase not only trade, but also social and cultural interactions among member countries.

Highlighting Turkey's recent large-scale infrastructure projects, including the Marmaray train tunnel, the Eurasia Tunnel and major bridges, Erdogan said the country had strengthened global trade routes and expanded its railway, maritime and aviation capacity.

President Erdogan said that through Turkey's support for the Trans-Caspian East-West Central Corridor Project, the country has revived the historic Silk Road with a modern vision.

"However, we do not evaluate this investment solely in a national framework," he said.

"Our goal is to strengthen integration with the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, develop cross-border corridors, and generate added value through joint projects," added President Erdogan.

He noted that constructive negotiations held during the conference had resulted in significant steps.

"We have made an important decision to create a roadmap that will strengthen transport links between member countries, increase solidarity on international platforms, and prepare a transport connectivity strategy document under the Turkish presidency (OIC)," President Erdogan explained.

"Undoubtedly, in order for this decision to be effectively implemented, it is important that technical meetings are not disrupted and monitoring mechanisms are operated carefully. We believe that the will we have shown today will pave the way for this," he added.