Turkish president calls Azerbaijan’s Khankendi symbol of hope, peace for region

Speaking at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) in Khankendi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a wide-ranging address, pointing out regional peace, climate action, and deepened cooperation across member states.

In a symbolic moment during his speech, Erdoğan expressed his heartfelt optimism for the future of Khankendi, stating: “I wholeheartedly believe that the city of Khankendi will be a centre of peace.” He emphasised that the decision to hold the summit in this historically significant location lent special meaning and importance to the event, signalling a new chapter of development and reconciliation in the region, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Turning to climate issues, the Turkish leader reaffirmed his country’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. He outlined Ankara’s roadmap toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2053, noting that the 2024–2030 national program aims to reduce carbon emissions by 100 million tons.

Erdoğan also confirmed that Türkiye is nearing final approval of the agreements adopted at the upcoming COP29 climate summit, to be hosted in Baku. He congratulated Azerbaijan and President Ilham Aliyev on the designation of Shusha as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2026, calling it a significant milestone for regional cultural and economic exchange.

The president affirmed Türkiye’s commitment to global climate action and outlined Ankara’s vision should it host the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31).

President Erdoğan stated that if COP31 is confirmed to take place in Türkiye, the country will champion a "fair, sustainable, transparent, and inclusive" framework to bridge the divide between developed and developing nations in addressing the climate crisis.

He highlighted recent domestic milestones in Türkiye’s environmental policy, noting that just days before the summit, a new climate bill was passed by the Turkish Parliament, reinforcing the nation’s legal and institutional framework for climate action.

Underscoring the country’s proactive stance, Erdoğan praised the Zero Waste Project, spearheaded by First Lady Emine Erdoğan, as a cornerstone of Türkiye’s environmental policy. “The Zero Waste Project initiated by Emine Erdoğan at the global level adds strength to our fight against climate change,” he said.

According to the president, the initiative has already yielded significant environmental benefits. “Since the start of the project, we have prevented the emission of around 6 million tons of greenhouse gases,” he noted.

President Erdoğan then used the platform to advocate for stronger ties between ECO member states and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Highlighting the TRNC’s observer status in the ECO since 2012, Erdoğan emphasised the need to deepen engagement with Turkish Cypriots across multiple sectors. “I expect you to develop your relations with the Turkish Cypriots in various fields, from sports to culture, from economy to tourism,” he urged, denouncing the continued isolation of the TRNC.

On foreign policy, the Turkish president also addressed developments in Syria and Afghanistan. He stressed the importance of establishing constructive relations with Syria’s new leadership, viewing recent changes as a potential turning point for regional stability. “This is a critical and important period for the international community to continue its financial support and develop relations with the new administration,” Erdoğan said. He also emphasised sustained support for the Afghan people, particularly in fostering peace and development amid ongoing challenges.

Concluding his remarks, Erdoğan extended condolences to the people of Pakistan in light of the recent terrorist attack, reaffirming Türkiye’s solidarity with its close regional partner.

By Vafa Guliyeva