JAKARTA - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for strengthening the transport integration between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries, stressing that an effective and reliable network is important to optimize the economic potential of the Islamic world.
In a video message to the meeting of the OIC transport ministers in Istanbul, 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 as quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Thursday, February 12.
Erdogan said stronger links between highways, railways, ports and airports would increase not only trade but also social and cultural interactions among member states.
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.
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 within the national framework. 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," he said.
Erdogan noted that constructive negotiations held during the conference had resulted in significant steps.
"We have made an important decision to make a roadmap that will strengthen transport links between member states, increase solidarity on international platforms, and prepare a transport connectivity strategy document under the Turkish presidency (OIC)," Erdogan said.
"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 said.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
