Erdogan Calls for Deeper Turkey Cooperation with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday at the “Shanghai Plus” meeting in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, that his country seeks to deepen cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation across all fields.
He described the organisation as an important part of the multipolar order and said the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, representing 3.5 billion people and $35 trillion in gross domestic product, holds an important place in global affairs. According to Erdogan, Turkey pursues the resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy and will continue working for peace and stability.
Erdogan also said the organisation could play a role not only in helping secure peace and stability, but also in creating safer transit corridors and ensuring energy security. He added that Turkey wants its “Middle Corridor” initiative via the Caspian Sea to be aligned with the Belt and Road project.
In another part of his remarks, the Turkish president said Ankara would also do its part in response to the negative effects of climate change, and that COP31 is scheduled to be held in Antalya on November 11 and 12.
Referring to the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, he said these two regions should not be forgotten, and added that 74,000 people have been martyred in Israeli attacks. Erdogan warned that the entire region is paying the price for this aggressive policy.
Erdogan also said the “Mecca Defence Alliance” is based on regional ownership and collective deterrence and could make a significant contribution to regional and global peace and stability. The Shanghai Plus meeting was held on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation-related events, a regional body whose members and partners are mainly in Asia.
