Good morning, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Before I begin, let me express my thanks to Barış Öney and his team, as well as to the London Stock Exchange for hosting this important event.

Today, as you will hear a wealth of data on the Turkish economy and investment opportunities in my country from distinguished speakers, I would rather focus on the geopolitical landscape that plays a significant role in shaping these opportunities.

With its young population, vast talent pool, rapidly growing economy, and strategic geographical position, Türkiye continues to be a critical player in the global arena. Despite the many challenges surrounding it, Türkiye has proven resilient, maintaining stability and fostering prosperity in a region marked by ongoing conflicts.

Indeed, over the years, Türkiye has faced numerous geopolitical challenges: the Iran-Iraq War, two wars in Iraq, the 14-year Syrian Civil War, regional conflicts in Palestine, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, and the Caucasus, not to mention the current war in Ukraine. These events have had direct political, economic, social, and security implications for us, and the Turkish people have lived through their consequences firsthand.

Yet, despite these challenges, Türkiye has continued to move forward. It remains a key element of stability and prosperity in its wider region. Its dynamic population, historical legacy as a bridge between East and West, NATO membership, long-standing relations with the EU, and commitment to democratic and free-market values have ensured that Türkiye remains a vital actor across the Middle East, the Caucasus, the Balkans, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, and Europe.

Let me present an optimistic scenario: On one hand, we have a stable and unified Syria, where a successful inclusive dialogue works for all, and with the lifting of sanctions, an ambitious reconstruction starts across the country. On the other hand, the war in Ukraine ends, ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and paving the way for a large-scale reconstruction effort. This scenario would further solidify Türkiye’s position as the economic engine of the region, enhancing its standing and influence.

Of course, as diplomats, we must always be cautious, so we are cautiously optimistic. However, the worst-case scenario will not be worse than the current one, as we are already managing and navigating a reality that has been in place for many years.

At a time when the Euro-Atlantic economic and political architecture is being tested by the very actor that pioneered it, we need more robust relations between Türkiye and Europe. Time is proving once again that European security and prosperity cannot be achieved without Türkiye. As a European power, we are ready to play our part in this and will continue to work closely with the UK to further our common goals.

The future trajectory of developments in the Euro-Atlantic region remains unclear. But in any case, Türkiye will remain a key player in the region, combining its historical, cultural, and human assets, along with both hard and soft power elements, to generate stability, progress, and continue to be an attractive destination for foreign investors.

Thank you.