GCC-Turkiye Economic Forum 2023: Strengthening Ties Across Continents

GCC-Turkiye Economic Forum 2023: Strengthening Ties Across Continents

Istanbul, November 11-13, 2023 – The recently concluded GCC-Turkiye Economic Forum held in Istanbul served as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration and dialogue. The East African Institute for Peace and Governance, in the company of numerous eminent figures from public and private institutions, academia, sports, media, and more, participated in the event, making it a truly diverse and enriching experience.

Jointly organized by the Gulf Research Center and the International Cooperation Platform, the forum commenced with insightful welcoming remarks from Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Chairman of the GRC, and Mr. Cengiz Ozgencil, Founder of the International Cooperation Platform.

With the overarching aim of advancing economic and cultural ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Turkiye, the conference placed a special emphasis on enhancing the trade relationship between the two regions. Notable government-level delegates, including Turkey’s Trade Minister, Treasury and Finance Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Oil, and the Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs of Kuwait, graced the event. The Secretary General of the Cooperation Council of Arab States of the GCC and other dignitaries also added governmental weight to the discussions.

The forum’s inclusivity extended to sports, with representatives such as H.E. Nasser Fahad Al-Khater, CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Mehmet Buyukeksi, Chairman of the Turkish Football Federation, and H.E. Khaldoon Al-Mubarak, Chairman of Manchester City, actively participating. Educational institutions were well-represented, with Qatar showcasing its commitment to the event.

Highlighting the underrated partnership potential of Somalia, Dr. Anwar Abdifatah Bashir, Executive Director of the East African Institute for Peace and Governance, addressed the forum. Dr. Bashir emphasized Somalia’s strategic geographical position, its membership in the Arab League, and its foundational role in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The enduring cooperation between Turkiye and Somalia since 2011 further solidified Somalia’s eligibility as a key partner in the GCC-Turkiye Economic Cooperation.

The GCC-Turkiye Economic Forum concluded with a shared commitment to advancing economic ties and fostering collaborative efforts across diverse sectors, marking it as a significant milestone in international cooperation.