18.11.2013 Jerusalem
Elected as the president of the Jerusalem Arbitration Center, established to resolve trade disputes between Israeli and Palestinian businessmen, TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu received the support of the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, elected by the joint request of both Israeli and Palestinian businessmen, attended the opening ceremony of the Jerusalem Arbitration Center.
During his speech at the meeting he said, “We are at a turning point. I have been visiting this area as TOBB President since 2003. This is a dream becoming real,” and went on:
“We are one step closer to engendering trust between
Israel and Palestinian businessmen. This will positively impact the whole
region. I would like to thank the Palestinian and Israeli chambers of commerce.
It honors me to accept this offer. Seven months ago, we signed the agreement
for the Jerusalem Arbitration Center in May in this holy city. The goal of this
council is to solve the commercial disputes between Palestinian and Israeli
businessmen. This project is not a government project but a private sector
enterprise. The idea was conceived five
years ago. It honors us greatly to be a part of this organization as the TOBB
President. As the Turkish business community we put great importance on both
Israeli and Palestinian business communities.
We share a common history and culture. More importantly, there is a
great potential for joint investments.”
Emphasizing that economic integration and the private
sector will contribute great to the resolution of many political disputes,
Hisarcıklıoğlu, reciting Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi’s words, ‘I have come to
unite; not to divide’, said, “Economic integration and the efforts of the
private sector play an important role in achieving peace. It is my hope that
our efforts will benefit the peace process.”
- Surprise from Blair
Entering the chamber during the signature ceremony
unexpectedly, former British Prime Minister and Quartet on the Middle East
special envoy Tony Blair surprised everyone.
Congratulating all parties involved in arbitration,
Blair said, “This institution will greatly benefit the development of business
opportunities and commerce in both countries. We have attained an opportunity
symbolic for this start. It is very pleasing to see Mr. Rifat here. Turkey has
taken on a very important by leading this institution. The Jerusalem
Arbitration Center is a great idea. I congratulate you on behalf of the
international community.”
Afterwards, the opening of the center was conducted
with the signature ceremony.
During the opening of the center which will be
presided over by Hisarcıklıoğlu, the International Chambers of Commerce
Arbitration Courts President John Beechey, International Chambers of Commerce
Secretary Generatl Jean Guy Carrier, Jerusalem Arbitration Center Board Member
Zahi Khouri, Israel Chamber of Commerce President Oren Shackor as well as many
Israeli and Palestinian businessmen were present.
Hisarcıklıoğlu will continue his visit with meetings
in the West Bank, Ramallah and Jenin. Hisarcıklıoğlu will conduct the opening
of the service building of the TOBB-BİS Inc. which has undertaken the
construction of the Jenin Organized Industry Zone, after which he will attend
the signing of the agreement between TOBB-BİS and the Palestinian Economy
Ministry.
- Support from Blair for Hisarcıklıoğlu
Giving an interview to a TRT Turk reporter following the
meeting, Tony Blair said, in regards to the election of TOBB President
Hisarcıklıoğlu to leading the Jerusalem Arbitration Center, “The fact that a
high level official has been elected from Turkey shows the importance and
relevancy of the country to the issue. In addition to Hisarcıklıoğlu being a
very respectable person, Turkey plays an important role. I don’t think it would
be possible to find a better candidate from any other country.
The council will be objective in cases involving
Israel and Palestine. The establishment of this institute with Turkey presiding
over it will ensure that disputes will be resolved quickly and for low costs.
This center is important for both countries.”