“On July 15, Our Parliament Had the Honor of Becoming a Veteran for the Second Time after the War of Independence”

Delivering a speech at the opening session of the 2nd Legislative Year of the 26th Term of the TBMM, President Erdoğan stated that the night of July 15, 2016 will have a distinct and special place in the history of the TBMM and said: “I express my gratitude to the members of the parliament who, during the coup attempt, immediately convened in this hall and mirrored in the Parliament the reaction of our nation who took to the streets against the coup plotters. Through their dignified and strong stance against the coup attempt, our members of the parliament protected this institution, which is the ultimate embodiment of the national will.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered the opening speech on the occasion of the 2nd Legislative Year of the 26th Term of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM).

Remembering with respect all members of the parliament, who have served under the roof of the Turkish Grand National Assembly until our day, President Erdoğan said: “I commemorate with respect all late members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, particularly Gazi Mustafa Kemal.”

Speech by President Erdoğan at the Opening Session of the 2nd Legislative Year of the 26th Term of the TBMM

“JULY 15 WILL HAVE A DISTINCT AND SPECIAL PLACE IN THE HISTORY OF THE TBMM”

Stating that there have been numerous defining moments in the history of the Turkish Grand National Assembly since April 23, 1920 until today, President Erdoğan said: “I believe that, from now on, the night of July 15, 2016 will have a distinct and special place in the history of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. I express my gratitude to the members of the parliament who, during the coup attempt, immediately convened in this hall and mirrored in the Parliament the reaction of our nation who took to the streets against the coup plotters.”

“Through their dignified and strong stance against the coup attempt, our members of the parliament protected this institution, which is the ultimate embodiment of the national will,” President Erdoğan said and he added: “The cost of this dignified stance has been numerous harassments and bombing of our Parliament by fighter jets, helicopters opening fire using heavy weapons and tanks surrounding the Parliament.”

“WE CAN NEVER PAY OUR DEBT TO MILLIONS OF OUR CITIZENS WHO STAYED UP ALL NIGHT FOR 29 DAYS STANDING GUARD FOR DEMOCRACY”

“On July 15, our Parliament had the honor of becoming a veteran for the second time after the War of Independence. 241 of our citizens, police officers and soldiers, almost all of who were martyred in Ankara and İstanbul on the night of the coup attempt, have their names inscribed in the glorious pages of our history and in the hearts of our nation with golden letters,” President Erdoğan underscored.

Expressing that this nation and this state will never forget the 2 thousand 194 veterans who were injured the same night, President Erdoğan said: “As a matter of fact, all members of our nation, who blockaded the streets, squares, all institutions targeted by the coup plotters and all locations that could have supported the coup plotters, deserve the title of veteran. We can never pay our debt to tens of millions of our citizens who stayed up all night for 29 days standing guard for democracy and demonstrated to all internal and external evil powers that they were standing by their state, nation, independence and future.”

“TURKEY TAUGHT A FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY LESSON TO THE WHOLE WORLD THAT WILL SET AN EXAMPLE THROUGHOUT HISTORY”

“During this process, all of the 79 million citizens of Turkey, apart from a handful of traitors, taught a freedom and democracy lesson to the whole world that will set an example throughout history,” the President underlined and he said: “Our nation has shown to all that they will not allow coup enthusiasts just as they do not allow terrorist organizations. I can never be proud enough with the noble Turkish nation. We should never forget that all the members of the parliament present in this very hall, starting with myself, owe their lives to our nation. We should, together, work more, produce more and carry our country forward in every field to be able to pay our debt to our nation.”

“JULY 15 DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOMS DAY”

“I once again wish Allah’s mercy upon the martyrs of July 15 and extend my condolences to their families and our nation. I wish a long and healthy life to our veterans,” President Erdoğan said:

Recalling that the National Security Council, following its meeting on Wednesday, recommended our Government to declare this date as an official commemoration day titled “July 15, Democracy and Freedoms Day”, President Erdoğan said: “We are continuing preparations to build monuments in İstanbul and Ankara for our martyrs. All kinds of material and moral support are being provided and will be provided to the families of martyrs and our veterans.”

“WE ARE OBLIGED TO NOT FORGET AND TO NOT ALLOW OTHERS TO FORGET JULY 15”

Underscoring that we are obliged to not forget and to not allow others to forget July 15, President Erdoğan said: “To this end, we should encourage coverage of July 15 in every medium from the curricula and textbooks at schools to documentaries, films and literary works. I recommend the following to those who hesitate, get tired, get weary or waver in this fight: In such a case, place the list of our martyrs in front of you, look at their photos, look at their professions, where they are from, their families, where they lived... Watch the images recorded that night. Listen to the stories of our martyrs and veterans. You will see that the July 15 coup attempt was not prevented by an organized team or by just any political, social or economic group but by ordinary people that constitute the backbone of this nation. You can be sure that the vast majority of the people who ran to the streets towards their martyrdom on July 15 did not have property or assets they had to protect nor a title-status nor any other interest. These people took to the streets to protect not the material assets they owned but to protect their beliefs, faiths, personalities, freedoms and the future of themselves and next generations.”

“WHOEVER CANNOT CALL JULY 15 A COUP AND CANNOT CONDEMN IT, IS ALSO A PART OF THE COUP ATTEMPT”

“On that night, millions advanced upon murderous weapons in the cause of the principles that I express as ‘one nation, one flag, one homeland, one state’ at every opportunity,” President Erdoğan noted and said: “The nature of the call made by first the Distinguished Prime Minister and then myself right after the coup attempt was nothing but the expression of the feelings of our nation who had already started taking to the streets. Unfortunately, there have been those who could not, did not want to understand such feelings on and in the aftermath of that night. There are even those who try to undermine what happened on July 15 by calling it a “scenario”, “play”, “theatre”, “film” or a “faux coup”. I am clearly expressing here on this occasion: Whoever cannot call July 15 a coup without any “buts” “howevers” “yets” and cannot condemn it, is also a part of the coup attempt or at least is a voluntary supporter. Those who stumble into such erroneous ways will never escape from being accountable to first the noble memory of our martyrs and veterans, and to the millions that took to the streets that nights together with them and moreover to our entire nation.”

“IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO METICULOUSLY PRESERVE THE YENIKAPI SPIRIT”

“On August 7 in Yenikapı, our nation, together with its President, Speaker of the Parliament, Prime Minister, Chief of General Staff, leaders of opposition parties, high level representatives of judicial and executive organs, commanders-in-chief of armed forces, 5 million attending citizens and 79 million citizens supporting this meeting in their hearts, clearly manifested their stance against the 15th of July,” the President said. Thanking once again the representatives of political parties and institutions who supported the wonderful demonstration in Yenikapı through their participation and their messages, President Erdoğan said: “It is our responsibility to meticulously preserve the Yenikapı spirit, which is a proof that Turkey and the Turkish Nation can become one heart, one voice and one breath when it comes to its state, freedom and future. Our greatest power in the face of terrorist organizations is this union, togetherness and solidarity that we have.”

“WE MUST KEEP OUR UNITY AND TOGETHERNESS STRONG”

Expressing his belief that the beautiful scene in Yenikapı will be repeated in other occasions during the new legislative term of our Parliament, President Erdoğan said: “Certainly, this does not mean that we will think the same and say the same on every topic … No one has such a request. We will certainly have differences in our approaches and in our beliefs, thoughts and styles. What is expected from us is that we keep our unity and togetherness strong in main issues relating to the perpetuity of our nation and country.”

The President stated: “If we cannot meet on common grounds on PKK terrorism, on FETÖ, on DAESH, on the security of our borders, on the integrity of our homeland, on the unity of our state and the greatness of our flag, then it means that there is a serious problem. For this reason, I consider the common stance we manifested in Yenikapı important and wish to see it continued.”

“CORNERED IN SYRIA AND IRAQ, DAESH TRIES TO CREATE SPACE FOR ITSELF BY TARGETING TURKEY”

Pointing out that Turkey is being subject to intense attacks from PKK and its extensions as well as DAESH terrorist organization in addition to FETO, President Erdoğan said: “Cornered in Syria and Iraq, DAESH tries to create space for itself by targeting Turkey. Our resolute fight against this organization significantly contributed to getting DAESH, which emerged as an extension of Al-Qaeda, to lose ground in Syria and Iraq. Similarly, acts of the PKK terrorist organization since July last year lead to a distinct stance against the organization by the people of the region. Making life miserable to the people of the region through the ditches and explosions they cause in the districts of our Southeastern region, the organization now attacks to support projects outside of our borders. Every step that Turkey takes against DAESH is retaliated by PKK and PYD-YPG terrorist organizations through their acts using all their forces.”

“PEOPLE OF THE REGION HAVE SEVERED THEIR TIES TO A GREAT EXTEND WITH THIS ORGANIZATION THAT SHEDS BLOOD IN STREAMS”

Stating that Turkey does not let the blood of our soldiers, police officers, village guards martyred during such actions go unrevenged, President Erdoğan said: “However, the purpose of these actions of the PKK terrorist organization which merely aims to distract Turkey’s attention on Syria and Iraq, is accurately identified by the people of the region. The participation rate in mass actions organized by the separatist organizations and its sponsor organizations has fallen less than one tenth. The people of the region have severed their ties to a great extend with this organization that offers the future of them and their children to some dark forces and that does not hesitate to shed blood in streams to this end. The operations carried out by our security forces are also supported by the people of the region. As the state, we are undertaking intense efforts to erase the traces of the damage caused by the separatist organization in the region, to provide relief to our victimized citizens and to reconstruct our cities. God willing, we will witness more positive developments on this issue in times ahead in terms of the unity, togetherness, fraternity, peace and security of our country and our nation.”

“WE HAVE TO MAKE JULY 15 A MILESTONE FOR TURKEY IN EVERY SENSE”

President Erdoğan underscored that we have to make July 15 a milestone for Turkey in every sense and that we must, together, carry out a resolute fight against PKK/PYD-YPG, DEASH and all other terrorist organizations in addition to FETO.

“We must resolutely realize the structural reforms that we need. We must draw necessary lessons from our experience in the recent years and in particular the coup attempt and prepare our country for the future,” the President said. Underscoring that developments in Syria and Iraq are not independent from the terror incidents taking place within our country, President Erdoğan said: “What we have experienced until today has shown us that we cannot overcome such issues unless we act with the will of realizing our own projects. We surely know that this is a matter of strength and means. If Turkey had not reached its current levels in its economic indicators, investments, employment potential, social assistance and defense industry and remained for example at the levels of 1990s, Turkey would not have been able to present such a firm stance against internal and external attacks. The path towards overcoming problems that we find difficult to resolve today will be led by the achievement of our 2023 goals. The greatest responsibility on this issue falls on the shoulders of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and you, the valuable members of this Assembly.”

“OUR PARLIAMENT SHOULD PIONEER ON ALL THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ACHIEVEMENT OF OUR 2023 GOALS”

Noting that our Parliament should pioneer on all that can contribute to our achievement of our 2023 goals which will pave the way forward for our country, President Erdoğan said: “To this end, we must swiftly introduce a new Constitution if possible, or at least a comprehensive Constitutional amendment. I consider Parliament’s on-going work on the Constitutional amendments a positive step. If the scope of this work is expanded and concluded as soon as possible, this will instill the hope in our people that our Parliament can achieve structural change through consensus. Moreover, I consider it important that the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament is revised to allow this eminent institution to work more efficiently, swiftly and practically. The more efficiently the Parliament and its members work, the higher the regard they will have in the eyes of our nation. As a President who regards national will to be the sole solution for all problems, I would like to express that I support and will support the work undertaken regarding the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure.”

“I OBSERVE WITH SORROW THE EFFORTS TO CAUSE DAMAGE ON THE OFFICE AND THE LOCATION OF THE PRESIDENCY”

Expressing that he, as a President directly elected by the vote of the people for the first time in the history of our Republic on August 10, 2014, is very well aware of the duties entrusted in him by the Constitution as well as his responsibilities vis-à-vis my nation, President Erdoğan said: “It is of particular importance that we are experiencing this new situation, emerging for the first time in our life as the state and nation, during a critical period of our country. Since the day I was elected, I have worked and will continue to work day and night to fulfil my responsibilities vis-à-vis my country and my nation. The initial hesitations which arose, as is the case in every new situation, regarding the President directly elected by the vote of the nation have disappeared in time. Until now, I believe that I have performed my duties as a President who acts in harmony with the legislative, executive and judicial organs and with his nation. In the upcoming period, I will continue working with all my power to best represent my country and to best perform my Constitutional duties and meet the expectations of my nation. I observe with sorrow the efforts to cause damage on the office and the location of the Presidency of the Republic. What is targeted here is not me but the choice of our nation using their free will. No one, especially the members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, who also came into office through elections, has such a right. God willing, starting from today, I hope that we will have left behind this meaningless debate in the past.”

“PROBLEMS IN SYRIA CAN BE RESOLVED THROUGH AN APPROACH THAT RESPECTS THE CHOICES OF SYRIAN PEOPLE”

Stating that developments in Syria and Iraq, which extend along our southern borders, hold a special place among the developments threatening our national security, President Erdoğan said: “The Syrian issue is a crucial matter for us with both its humanitarian aspect and security dimension. Turkey’s position on Syria has been clear since the very beginning. We believe that the problems in Syria can be resolved through an approach that respects the choices of Syrian people, territorial integrity of the country and their sovereignty rights. DEASH terrorist organization, deriving from Al-Qaeda which had caused destruction of Afghanistan, is not the cause but the result of the problem in Syria. It is not plausible that a country, that had a population of 22 million before the war, cannot be cleared, for more than 5 years, from foreign fighters belonging to DEASH whose number is estimated to be around 10 thousand. The same situation also applies to Iraq. It is clearly evident that the problem in the country is not limited to the presence of around 10 thousand foreign fighters.”

“DAESH IS A CONVENIENT PLOY FOR ALL THOSE WHO ARE PLOTTING PLANS OVER SYRIA AND IRAQ”

“DAESH is nothing but a convenient ploy for all those who are plotting plans over Syria and Iraq,” President Erdoğan said and he added: “The religious-sectarian and ethnic fault lines in the region are under attack under the guise of DAESH. Some countries that deliberately channel their radicalized populations into Syria and Iraq persistently avoid facing the consequences of this problem, including those about refugees and the globalization of terrorism.”

Underscoring that Turkey is determined to perform all of its humanitarian duties to the people of the region; this is required by our common history and culture that go back a thousand years, and our neighborly and brotherly relations that date back nearly a hundred years, President Erdoğan said: “Everyone equipped with high morals, a good conscience and feelings of justice appreciates the efforts of Turkey in trying to accommodate around 3 million refugees in camps and urban centers.”

“EUROPEAN COUNTRIES HAVE FAILED THIS TEST OF HUMANITY”

“Nevertheless, European countries in particular have failed this test of humanity. European countries that have closed off their borders to refugees instead of welcoming them have trampled on the very values that they have defended to this day. Countries and societies that remain mere witnesses to the mayhem will have to answer to history for the fading of each innocent life under the rubbles of Aleppo. No political gain can be more precious than human life,” the President said, adding that there are no words to express the grief of knowing that 600,000 people have been killed in Syria during the past 6 years.

“As we continue to fulfil our humanitarian responsibilities for the people of Syria both within and outside of the borders of our country, we will also continue with our task of warning the international community,” President Erdoğan underscored.

“OPERATION EUPHRATES SHIELD IS A LEGITIMATE OPERATION”

Stating that the Operation Euphrates Shield is a legitimate operation that Turkey, together with the people of the region, has launched against all of the terrorist organizations in Syria, President Erdoğan said: “The suicide bomb attack organized by the DAESH terrorist organization in Gaziantep that took the lives of 56 of our citizens, including many children, has been the final straw. DAESH sent a 14-year-old child as a suicide bomber to a wedding ceremony which further injured 100 people. Our goal in this operation that started in Jarabulus and continues westward and southward, is initially to establish a 5,000 km2-safe zone free of terrorist organizations. As Syrian territories are made gradually safer by these means, both the terrorism problem and the refugee problem will be resolved. When the forces entered Jarabulus, there were 2 thousand people. However, there are currently nearly 40 thousand people there, which means the people of Jarabulus are returning home. We have not met with any objection for this project which we have been defending for years, however, we did not receive any practical support either. The terrorist corridor that is attempting to establish itself along our southern borders and the increasing activities by PKK and DAESH in our country have obliged us to launch this project with our own means. The successful continuation of the operation has shown us that if the necessary support is provided, Syria can fight DAESH with its own children.”

“WE MUST ENSURE THAT MOSUL IS NOT PULLED INTO SECTARIAN AND ETHNIC CONFLICTS”

“The theses of those who try to foster another terrorist organization, PYD-YPG, to fight against DAESH have now been refuted through the Operation Euphrates Shield,” President Erdoğan said. The President further stated: “A similar game is being mounted in Mosul. This game that is being staged by Shiite militia and members of the terrorist organization, which is an extension of the PKK, in complete contradiction with the sectarian and ethnic fabric of the region, as well as its cultural sensitivities, must also be stopped. There is Tal Afar right north of Mosul and it consists of Turkmens. I would like to especially remind that an operation to Mosul also targets Tal Afar. Turkey believes that Mosul can be saved from DAESH in cooperation with groups that are essential elements of the region, and especially by extending the necessary support to the Arab and Turcoman forces. We will continue to exert every effort in order to ensure that Mosul is not pulled into sectarian and ethnic conflicts. We, as Turkey, cannot stay away from the table. We have to be on the table. Turkey shares a 911-km-long border with Syria and a nearly 350-km-long border with Iraq. Others do not have such a border here. However, they want to shape the outcome there. We can and should no longer observe the situation. This place will make the decision for that. If we want to live in peace and security within the borders of Turkey, we have to make sure that the developments in Syria and Iraq take this course. Otherwise, both our border security and anti-terrorism efforts will remain under constant threat.”

“WE HAVE TAKEN MAJOR STEPS TO NORMALIZE OUR RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA”

“Relations among states have a very complex nature and present many different dimensions, including political, economic, cultural, humanitarian and military ones. Each and every one of these dimensions are meaningful and significant. However, they also interact with each other to varying degrees. Turkey’s increasing regional and global presence has further complicated its relations with other countries. We are undergoing a period where we experience very important developments in our relations with countries such as the United States of America, Russia, Germany and Iran, and institutions such as the European Union, not to mention our representation in various international platforms. Starting in June, we have taken major steps to normalize our relations with Russia following the unfortunate crisis we experienced last November. We will continue to work on our differences in a number of issues with this country, however we will also focus on our common interests and develop our relations to even soar above their previous level. Indeed, our relations in many fields, including energy, tourism, and agricultural exports, are approaching their previous level at a great pace.” President Erdoğan said.

Stating that Turkey conducted a similar process with Israel, President Erdoğan said: “Now that Israel has met all of our conditions about the Mavi Marmara incidence, we are trying to develop our mutual relations with the intention of producing fruitful results for everyone in our region, and first and foremost for our Palestinian brothers and sisters.”

“WE HAVE BEEN WITNESSING GRAVE SIGNS OF INCONSISTENCY IN US POLICIES ABOUT OUR REGION”

Underscoring that Turkey is making efforts to continue its relations with the United States of America in the spirit of our traditional alliance, President Erdoğan said: “However, we have been witnessing grave signs of inconsistency and disjointedness in US policies about our region, particularly in recent times. A section of the US administration insists on working jointly with the PKK/PYD-YPG terrorist organization in Syria and Iraq, while another section tries to pursue policies that are sympathetic of our sensitivities. Noting that this situation is apparently caused by the upcoming Presidential elections in the USA, we will continue to exert efforts to solve this problem without harming the vital interests of our country. In this process, it is most unfortunate that the US Congress has passed legislation that allows the filing of lawsuits against Saudi Arabia for the 9/11 attacks. First of all, this legislation is clearly against the “personal nature of criminal responsibility”, a universal legal principle.”

“We are hoping that this wrong step will soon be taken back, since it has the potential of creating a dangerous debate over the sovereignty rights of states,” the President said and he added: “I believe that the United States of America, with whom we have very close ties both in our region and globally, will soon reach a point that reflects the spirit of our relations.”

“We have intensive contacts with another important player in our region, Iran, in order to overcome our differences of opinion in a number of issues, including Syria and Iraq. In principle, we have major energy, transportation, infrastructure and cultural cooperation projects that we can mobilize in the region with Iran. We will continue to develop our relations with Iran in an approach that foregrounds our common denominators,” President Erdoğan said.

RELATIONS WITH THE EU

Underscoring that October is an important month in terms of Turkey’s relations with the European Union, President Erdoğan said: “As you all know, the visa-free regime that the European Union promised to Turkey is supposed to enter into force this month. The statements made by the Union show that there are attempts to make the fight against terrorism, a vital issue for Turkey, a prerequisite for this process. Let me be clear on this: This attitude is an explicit manifestation of the fact that the European Union does not want to keep its promise to Turkey. And let me be clearer still: Let them decide!”

“IT’S THE CHOICE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION’S TO CONTINUE ON ITS PATH WITH OR WITHOUT TURKEY”

“In its relations with the European Union for over half a century, Turkey has always been the side that keeps its promises and makes compromises. We have never objected to situations arising from our delays, shortcomings or faults,” President Erdoğan said and he further stated: “Nevertheless, the European Union showed its true intentions about Turkey when it swiftly admitted countries that cannot compare to Turkey in terms of democratic or economic criteria, while it kept Turkey waiting at its doors – 53 years, easier said than done -, particularly in the last waves of enlargement. There is no point in beating about the bush or trying to prove one’s case by engaging in diplomatic rhetoric. We expect openness, transparency and a sincere recognition of facts from the European Union and the active states within it. We want the Europeans to refrain from using us as a scapegoat for the different intentions that they harbor. We have no problem, and will never have any problem, with the European Union criteria, global democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law. We embrace these, realize these and will continue to do so, not because this is what the European Union demands, because this is what our citizens deserve. If the European Union wants to admit Turkey as a full member based on an objective assessment, there is no obstacle before that. We are ready for this. However, if they have no intention of admitting us and think that they can continue to stall the process through unreasonable demands, they are wrong. They should know that this game is over. It’s the choice of the European Union’s to continue on its path with or without Turkey. They will make that choice themselves. They should not try to throw this responsibility on our shoulders through their cunning tactics.”

“OUR NATION EMBRACED ITS FREEDOM AND FUTURE AS WELL AS THE ECONOMY”

Stating that those who fail to stop Turkey’s progress through terrorist organizations, coup plotters or diplomatic manoeuvres use the economy card at every opportunity, President Erdoğan said: “For the past 14 years, we have been able to grow continuously, except in 2009 when we were stalled by the global crisis, and at the same time we have been resisting economic attacks. Thanks be to Allah, as Turkey grew, developed and became stronger and more prosperous, it became more resistant to such attacks. We have a country that keeps growing and becoming stronger with investments in infrastructure and superstructure. It is interesting that rumors, recommendations and campaigns about an imminent economic crisis begin shortly after each wave of terrorism or social turmoil. We experienced this during the Gezi incidents. We experienced the same on 17-25 December. We also experienced this during the separatist terrorist activities that restarted after July 20, 2015. And finally, the same scenario appeared following the July 15 coup attempt. When the attempted coup failed on July 15, all eyes immediately turned to the economy. Our nation has embraced not only its independence and future, but also its economy, and has so far converted 12 billion dollars into Turkish Liras. Our Central Bank did not have to sell foreign currencies.”

“NO ONE TOOK THAT PARTICULAR RATING AGENCY SERIOUSLY”

Expressing that large investments, projects, manufacturing processes and exports continued without the slightest interruption, President Erdoğan said: “We have inaugurated both the Osmangazi Bridge and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge.”

Noting that the Çanakkale Bridge and the Canal Istanbul Project are the next, President Erdoğan said: “When these projects are completed, Turkey will realize a greater transformation.” “They realized that they would not be able to stop Turkey in its tracks, so they called in the credit rating agencies. Appearing highly self-contradictory, no one took that particular rating agency seriously, nationally or internationally. On the contrary, the bidding, held by our Treasury drew more interest,” the President said, stating that next week a big international corporation will conclude an agreement in the field of health care with the relevant agencies in Turkey regarding the financing of a 1.1 billion dollar investment.

“The World Energy Congress which will be inaugurated in Istanbul on October 10 will set the stage for critical meetings and perhaps agreements, involving very large sums. And some world leaders will attend the World Energy Congress,” the President said, adding “The Turkish Wealth Fund which we have recently founded keeps attracting more and more attention. The fund will facilitate the financing of large-scale strategic projects that we will undertake in the upcoming period. It will greatly benefit our country through bilateral cooperation and also through investments in third countries.”

“THE GROWTH RATE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2016 EMBARRASSED THOSE WHO THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE A WASTED YEAR”

Underscoring that the growth rate which was around 4 per cent in the first half of 2016 embarrassed those who thought this would be a wasted year, President Erdoğan said: “God willing, Turkey will cover a great distance in reaching its 2023 targets with a growth rate exceeding the expectations. Every measure is taken to ensure that the recent partial stagnation in the economy is replaced by a new phase of revival. Indeed, we have already started seeing the first signs of this revival with the relative increases in the capacity utilization rates and the economic confidence index.”

“Efforts of the Central Bank to reduce the interest rate and to narrow the rate corridor, as well as the decisions by the Economic Coordination Board to offer new facilities to consumers are welcome developments. We should appreciate the sustention of relatively high growth rates in Turkey despite problems originating from terrorism and the coup attempt at a time when major economies are undergoing serious problems. However, this is not our measure. Because we have much bigger targets and much higher expectations. Therefore, we will work harder, we will produce more, we will increase employment, we will export more and give more importance to high technology, quality and R&D. The state, politics, the people and the business world shall come together to achieve this,” President Erdoğan said.

Wishing for success for the 2nd Legislative Year of the 26th Term of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, President Erdoğan ended his speech as follows: “I would like to wish our members of the parliament and the party groups a fruitful term in their hard work. May Allah help us and support us in our endeavors. I salute you all with heartfelt affection and respect.”