08.01.2016 Afyonkarahisar
In his speech at the Bingöl TSO and Afyonkarahisar TSO Sister Chambers Protocol, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that it is even more meaningful that this protocol is being signed in these trying times, “There are increased occurrences of terror attacks recently. Our country is target of a heinous ploy. Certain groups are attempting to use terror in order to damage our unity, solidarity and brotherhood. Don’t get your hopes up; we won’t fall for this trap.”
Stating that they are in Afyonkarahisar to witness a propitious
occasion, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that this protocol would bring the business
communities of the two cities closer and increase cooperation.
Congratulating the Chairpersons, Boards of Directors and councils of
Afyonkarahisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Afyonkarahisar TSO) and Bingöl
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Bingöl TSO), Hisarcıklıoğlu thanked the
ministers attending the ceremony.
Stating that there is grace and prosperity in unity; anguish in dissent,
Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The more we come together; the more we embrace, we will
prosper. It is very meaningful for Afyonkarahisar and Bingöl to connect in this
way. In both character and in other aspects, they are very similar: Two cities
which complement each other. The people, solemnity and patriotism of both
cities are well known. Both cities boast their brands of marble and hot
springs. Afyon’s sujuk are famous; Bingöl’s walnut sujuk. Bingöl has the honey;
Afyon the cream which completes the duo. The only difference is that one is
located in the East while the other is in the West.
Afyon became industrialized earlier, turning its products into profit
first. Our hope is that Bingöl will rapidly develop its industry and rise. This
is where the traders and industrialists of the two cities will have an
important role in increasing trade and sharing their experiences. That is why
the “Fraternity Protocol” is not just a document of good will, it is the first
step towards important results. I would like to congratulate the Ministers,
Bingöl TSO and Afyonkarahisar TSO once again for their vision.”
Drawing attention to the fact that it is even more meaningful that this
protocol is being signed in these trying times, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “There are
increased occurrences of terror attacks recently. Our country is target of a
heinous ploy. Certain groups are attempting to use terror in order to damage
our unity, solidarity and brotherhood. Don’t get your hopes up; we won’t fall
for this trap! The mortar of this country is stronger than anything they can
imagine. Afyon is the closest witness of this. This is where the Great Assault
began; its command center. From the four corners of this country, its sons
fought shoulder to shoulder, falling as martyrs. I was in Çanakkale two days
ago and saw the same thing there. 250,000 sons and daughters of this land
martyred. Why? They all shared the same love and belief of country. There have
been many ploys targeted at the unity and solidarity of this country. We always
came out on top, stronger than before.”
Reminding everyone that, without peace, there can be no prosperity,
Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “If there is peace, there can be trade; if there is trade,
there will be prosperity. Bingöl’s economy sprang ahead during the time of
peace. The biggest companies in Turkey began asking for places to invest in.
The OIZ has no vacancies left. Projects for call centers, textiles complexes
began. There was a great momentum. That is what really disturbs those who
support terrorism, progress. They want to prevent this. I was in Bingöl with
the Minister four or five months ago. Be assured that it is one of the most
peaceful cities of Turkey.”
- Minister Eroğlu
Forestry and Water Affairs Minister Veysel Eroğlu expressed his pleasure
in the cooperation between the two chambers. He stated that this protocol would
not be a simple cooperation in trade and industry but instead a bridge between
the hearts of the East and West.
- Minister Çelik
Food, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Faruk Çelik expressed his well
wishes for the outcome of the protocol, stating that it is the best answer to
those who wish to disturb the peace and fraternity of this nation.
Thanking the chamber chairs who began this endeavor, Minister Çelik
stated that it is his second term as Şanlıurfa AKP PM, pointing out that he is
well aware of the difficulties the people of Southeastern Anatolia are faced
with.
- Minister Yılmaz
Development Minister Cevdet Yılmaz stressed the meaningfulness of the
protocol as an enterprise.
Stating that despite the vast distance between the two cities, there are
staggering similarities to be found between them, Yılmaz pointed out that both
cities boast of historical similarities, “We will fully experience the
brotherhood between the two cities.”
- Minister Tüfenkçi
Customs and Commerce Minister Bülent Tüfenkçi stated the importance of
the protocol in the development of cooperation and fraternity between the
regions.
Minister Tüfenkçi stated that the conflict in Southeastern Anatolia is
most damaging to the people of the region, “With this endeavor you have shown
them that the country supports them. We will stand by them, our hearts bound by
bridges, prayers and the will of the state and people of our country.”
Afyonkarahisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair Hüsnü Serteser
stated that the business people of both provinces have been in bilateral talks
and that many important agreements have been signed.
Serteser thanked Hisarcıklıoğlu and the ministers for their interest in
the ceremony and their attendance.
Bingöl Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair Erkan Çalıbay stated that
the members of both chambers are here to build bridges between hearts and that
they will form a great synergy with Afyon business people.
Çalbay stated that this cooperation will greatly benefit both regions
and Turkey as whole.
Following the speeches,Afyonkarahisar Chamber of
Commerce and Industry Chair Hüsnü Serteser and Bingöl Chamber of Commerce and
Industry Chair Erkan Çalbay signed the protocol with TOBB President M. Rifat
Hisarcıklıoğlu, Forestry and Water Affairs Minister Veysel Eroğlu, Development
Minister Yılmaz, Food, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Faruk Çelik and
Customs and Commerce Minister Bülent Tüfenkçi witness the ceremony.
Also attending the meeting were TOBB Board Vice President İbrahim
Çağlar, TOBB Board Treasurer Faik Yavuz, TOBB Board Member Necdet Özer and TOBB
ETU Hospital Board Chair Şadan Eren.