Dinner Speech by President Gül at the Ciragan Palace

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,  

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all of you. It is a pleasure for me to see the distinguished members of the international community in İstanbul.

We have gathered in this historical and cultural city where tolerance and compassion have taken root for a historical event.

Our gathering in İstanbul is drawing its strength from the global solidarity and partnership for development.

I am confident that  this Conference will give us the opportunity to reaffirm and upgrade our commitment to find lasting solutions to the complex and persistent challenges of the most vulnerable countries of the world.

And I believe that Istanbul is the perfect city to achieve this.  Throughout history, Istanbul has been the center of many civilizations and the meeting point of continents and seas.  Istanbul has always been a source of inspiration for humanity.

In fact, located at the crossroads where the West meets the East and the North meets the South, İstanbul embodies the merits and aspirations of all directions.

Through the success of this Summit and the ensuing process, I hope Istanbul will be remembered as the place where the misfortune of almost a billion people has taken a positive turn.

We have the determination and the opportunity to make this happen. 

Enjoy your stay in this historical city.

Thank you.