President Erdogan: Türkiye prioritises Eastern Anatolia's development

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the development of the eastern regions of Anatolia is a priority of the Turkish government.

He made the statement on June 11 at the commissioning ceremony of several facilities in the eastern province of Van, according to Anadolu Agency.

Along with the implementation of infrastructure and industrial projects in the east of the country, the focus is on transport, tourism and environmental protection, the president said.

"Over the past two decades, dormitories for 9,682 people, 52 sports facilities, 19 hospitals, and 103 medical centres have been built in Van Province alone. For the first time in the history of Van, a university was opened in the province. Again, over the past 20 years, four water reservoirs have been built in Van province alone, and five more such facilities are under construction," Erdogan said.

In addition, after the devastating earthquake in 2011, the state built 25,000 residential buildings, schools, mosques, and social facilities for the residents of Van province.

The president said that on June 11, the implementation of a new stage of projects worth 4.175 billion Turkish liras will start in the eastern province.

Erdogan noted that among the 154 projects, the construction of a 41 km ring road will start in the province, which will increase the volume of cargo transportation throughout the region.

The Turkish leader called Van Province a "rising star" in the country's east.

Erdogan further focused on the importance of ensuring security in the eastern and southeastern parts of Türkiye.
The head of state called on the population to unite and support the government's efforts for the development of the country.