In a video message sent to the Transport Ministers Conference of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasised that they have strengthened global trade routes.
Praying to Allah that the meeting will yield auspicious outcomes for the Islamic world and all humanity, President Erdoğan said, "I extend a cordial welcome to all our guests who have arrived in İstanbul from across the Muslim world; your presence is a source of great honour for us."
Highlighting that we are witnessing an era in which geographic distances have diminished in significance, while strategic connectivity has become more valuable than ever, President Erdoğan added,
"It was forty years ago that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation convened its inaugural conference on transportation. Since then, the global economy, trade routes, production hubs, and transportation technologies have undergone significant transformation. Beyond facilitating the mobility of goods and people, transportation has also emerged as a vital element of development, competitive advantage, and regional integration. The Islamic world, extending from Asia to Africa and from Europe to the Middle East, wields significant influence over natural corridors, a dynamic young population, and rapidly expanding markets. However, to fully realise this significant potential and turn geographical advantages into strategic power, it is essential to establish effective, reliable, and integrated transport networks."
"We have strengthened global trade routes"
President Erdoğan stated that they believe the robust connections established across highways, railways, ports, and airports will not only enhance trade among Islamic countries but also increase social and cultural interaction, and he added:
"As Türkiye, we have strived to realise this vision through the large-scale transportation projects we have implemented in recent years. With our massive projects, including Marmaray, the Eurasia Tunnel, the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, we have strengthened global trade routes. Our modern railway lines have made great strides in freight and passenger transportation. Through our significant port investments, we have enhanced our maritime transport capacity. Our country has become a major hub for global air transport as a result of our aviation initiatives."
"It is essential to recognise that these investments are not regarded solely within a national framework"
President Erdoğan continued by expressing that, with their support for the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor initiative, the ancient Silk Road is being revived in a modern spirit, adding:
"It is essential to recognise that these investments are not regarded solely within a national framework. Our objective is to deepen integration with the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, establish cross-border corridors, and deliver value through projects. As you are aware, we have taken substantial steps by engaging in constructive dialogue throughout the conference. We have reached significant decisions to establish a roadmap to strengthen transportation routes among member states, enhance solidarity within international platforms, and formulate an Intermodal Transport Strategy Paper during Türkiye's chairmanship. Undoubtedly, to ensure effective implementation of these decisions, it is imperative that technical meetings be held without interruption and that monitoring be conducted with the utmost diligence. We are confident that the determination we have demonstrated today will pave the way for this progress. On this occasion, I hope that our meeting will yield auspicious results, and I would like to extend my gratitude to the participating countries."