12.12.2014 Ankara
The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, along with 365 Chamber and Exchange Chairmen from 81 provinces and 160 provinces, visited the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Hisarcıklıoğlu, in a press statement regarding the visit, said, “In
addition to being a congratulatory visit, we consulted with President Erdoğan
in regards to economic issues. We found opportunity to convey our views. I
would like to thank President Erdoğan for his attitude and hospitality.”
Adding that they had a surprise for President Erdoğan, Hisarcıklıoğlu
said, “As TOBB, we try to reclaim a cultural treasure each year. The original
Dede Korkut Epic was in the Vatican library. We have crafted facsimiles of the
epic, simplifying the language to be more contemporary and presented the first
edition to President Erdoğan.”
In regards to the economy, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Among the topics
discussed was the adoption of the economic reform package, especially by the
chambers of commerce. Another important issue is the matter alleviating the
costs of employment as well as tourism as a driving force for the future and
incentivizing industrial production.”
In response to a question on whether Yassıada had come up, Hisarcıklıoğlu
said, “As you know we will restore Yassıada to our country as TOBB in the
build-operate-transfer. It will be a museum for democracy. In this regard we
want to make both Sivriada and Yassıada to be made habitable and the island
will be a reminder of the late Menderes and his three friends, executed there
in 1961. We are in the process of acquiring permits and once acquired, we will
begin construction.”
Stating that President Erdoğan had greeted each chairman individually,
Hisarcıklıoğlu said that they also toured the Presidential Palace, “It does
Turkey proud. We are greatly pleased.”
- President Erdoğan
The President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, “As
we do not find the present organization adequate for a different Turkey, we
want to take steps in a different direction. We will monitor the economy
closely, continuing consultation with all parts of the economy and listening to
your troubles, complaints and suggestions, arbitrating and reaching solutions.”
President Erdoğan thanked the TOBB members for their contributions to
the growth, development, the increasing prosperity and democratic standards of
Turkey.
Pointing out that he has worked closely with TOBB during his 12 years as
Prime Minister, Erdoğan stated that their cooperation would continue throughout
his Presidency.
Stressing the fact that they have been in close cooperation with the
private sector, not just on economic matters, but also in the area of democracy,
President Erdoğan stated that they have been in consultation with the private
sector throughout the whole Solution Process.
President Erdoğan stated that Turkey is made up of many parts and that
until 12 years ago these parts were disjointed and out of sync with each other.
In their efforts, Erdoğan said, they have succeeding in bringing harmony among
all parts in the last 12 years and stated that they must all work together to
maintain this harmony.