When we look back, we see better what risks and what kind of troubles we have overcome in the last ten years. Especially if we understand the situation we are in correctly, we realize once again that we should be endlessly grateful for our situation. We better understand how difficult it is to build a prosperous country in every sense, from defense to economy, from tourism to exports. It is not at all easy for a country to maintain its stability, where there have been bloody wars on its eastern, southern and northern borders in the last few years and even already. Moreover, for a country that was exposed to a treacherous coup attempt in 2016 and now has to face the global pandemic while trying to recover, this situation is even more difficult than others. It can be said that our country’s ability to sustain its rise, growth and progress in many fields in a stable manner despite all these difficulties is essentially an all-out effort. Naturally, you will definitely come out of the huge fights and struggles with certain wounds and painful pains. Turkey is one of the rare countries that has always been able to overcome the severe tests it has gone through with its strength of will, unity and solid stance. If any country in Europe had experienced the difficulties we have experienced in the last 10-15 years, who knows, that country might not be on the world map right now. Our country has been able to face all kinds of difficulties and overcome struggles successfully, thanks to its ancient past, strong civilization and the unique unity and solidarity of its nation.
The year 2023 brought with it many global developments. While the negative effects of the Russia-Ukraine War continued, declining demand due to recession talk and falling energy prices due to the mild climate created a completely different economic structure. While the revenues of developing oil and natural gas-rich countries decreased, important strategic changes emerged in global economies as a result of the EU’s desire to act independently of Russia in energy matters. China-Taiwan tension and Japan’s announcement that it will invest in armament will be important determinants of 2023, but the main issue will undoubtedly be about the course of the Russia-Ukraine War and how long it will last. At this point, the demands put on the table by both sides show that compromise is impossible, but we will see over time how long this trend will last. It would not be wrong to say that this bloody war between two neighboring countries has turned into a show of weapons and power by the countries in the Western and Eastern bloc, rather than being fought solely between the Russian and Ukrainian peoples. Turkey, which is the closest country to the warring parties both geographically and humanely, is inevitably affected by this situation. Especially Laleli, which developed trade with these countries even during the Soviet Union period, gets its share of this relentless fight. We have always tried to approach the issue from a human perspective since the first day. We stated that no matter how long it lasts, there will be no winner in this war, and the only losers will be humanity and civilizations. As the Roman thinker Cicero said, “the worst peace is better than the most just war.” These people, who have come together with all their might, still have a chance to come together around a table and act with common sense and reach reconciliation. As long as they want it. Due to both our faith and our conscience, we cannot accept or rejoice that anyone, regardless of their nationality, suffers or gets hurt. While we wish this bleeding wound to end immediately, our country’s sensitivity and efforts on this issue can never be denied. While global powers are fueling the war, our country has been making maximum efforts to bring the parties together since the first day. I hope that our sincere efforts will achieve results and our region will achieve a climate of peace and tranquility. With these wishes and wishes, I greet you and offer my respects.
Giyasettin Eyyüpkoca
