A press meeting was held by the World Turkish Business Council (DTİK) in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia.
The program held at the hotel was attended by North Macedonian Assembly Speaker Afrim Gashi, Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) Turkish Delegation Chairman and AK Party Antalya Deputy Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Skopje Fatih Ulusoy, DTİK North Macedonia Representative and Halkbank Skopje General Manager Fatih Şahbaz, representatives of Turkish and local institutions and organizations in the country, press members and guests.
In his speech, Gashi said that the historical, cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries constitute the strong foundation that they have built with cooperation in many fields, including the economy, both at bilateral and parliamentary levels.
Evaluating the relations between North Macedonia and Turkey, Gashi said, “As the Speaker of the Parliament, I would like to emphasize that the relations between the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Turkey represent an example of permanent friendship, mutual respect and strategic partnership.” he said.
Emphasizing that the contribution of the Turkish business world to the economic development of North Macedonia is visible and appreciated, Gashi stated that Turkish companies and entrepreneurs help to create new job opportunities in the country, develop various sectors and strengthen economic ties.
“Türkiye did not keep the peace, stability and prosperity of the Balkans separate from its own prosperity.”
Çavuşoğlu described DTİK as not only a business world platform but also a strategic bridge that strengthens economic bridges and cooperation between countries, expands investment and trade networks, and makes significant contributions to economic diplomacy.
Pointing out that the Balkans have been the intersection of different cultures, civilizations and trade routes throughout history, Çavuşoğlu made the following evaluations:
“For Turkey, the Balkans is not only a close geography but also a strategic partnership area to which we are bound by common history, culture, human ties and strong economic relations. Turkey has not kept the peace, stability and prosperity of the Balkans separate from its own prosperity and sees them as an integral part. With this understanding, our country is developing its relations with all Balkan countries on the basis of mutual respect and common benefit, in line with the principles of regional ownership and inclusiveness.”
Çavuşoğlu pointed out that Türkiye attaches great importance to the projects carried out in the fields of transportation, energy, industry, logistics, digital transformation and infrastructure in the Balkans.
Touching on the relations between Turkey and North Macedonia, Çavuşoğlu said, “Friendship, mutual trust and strong political dialogue between the two countries create a solid basis for the development of our economic relations. Today, Turkey is one of the leading trade partners of North Macedonia. Turkish investments make significant contributions to the country’s economy, especially Halkbank Üsküp AŞ, and create employment for thousands of people.” he said.
Çavuşoğlu emphasized that the meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and North Macedonia Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski in Istanbul a few days ago was extremely productive and beneficial in terms of further strengthening both political and economic relations.
Emphasis on the power of the Turkish business world
Şahbaz also pointed out that the positive momentum achieved in political, economic and commercial relations between Türkiye and North Macedonia in recent years has created new opportunities for the business world.
Noting that Turkish investors, entrepreneurs and professionals operating in North Macedonia have achieved significant success in many fields, from production to the service sector, from trade to industry, Şahbaz said, “The strong presence of the Turkish business world in the region not only provides economic contribution, but also strengthens the bridge of friendship between Turkey and North Macedonia. As DTİK North Macedonia Representation, we aim to increase the communication and solidarity between our business people operating in the region, create new areas of cooperation and develop joint projects.” he said.
Informing the participants about DTİK and Halkbank Skopje, Şahbaz stated that within the scope of President Erdoğan’s Turkey Century vision, they care about the development of the countries in the region as much as Turkey, and that this vision is reflected in the country through Turkish institutions in North Macedonia.
Following the speeches, a presentation was made about the World Turkish Business Council and Halkbank Skopje.
