20.07.2018 Ankara
The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, “We view the negative impact of the sanctions against Iran would have on the Turkish economy with concern. We are of the opinion that potential damages for Turkey need to be redressed.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu relayed the sensitivities of Turkey in regards to at the
meeting to inform the Turkish private sector concerning USA’s Iran policy and
sanctions held at the TOBB Twin Towers with the participation of the US Treasury
Assistant Secretary Marshall Billingslea responsible for combating financing of
terrorism and the delegation accompanying him.
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they are concerned with the looming concept
of “trade wars,” adding that the additional 25% US imports tax on steel imports
are unfair and do not fit the spirit of the alliance between the two countries.
Stating that the taxes in question would adversely affect Turkey's iron
and steel sector, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized exempting Turkey from these added
taxes would contribute to the bilateral trade and relationship of both
countries.
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they oppose all weapons of mass destruction,
including nuclear weapons, and that they are aware of the risks that nuclear
weapons in the region would pose.
- The importance of Iran
Hisarcıklıoğlu reminded that the compromise reached in 2015 between the
United Nations Security Council members and Iran, lifted obstacles to doing
business with Iran. “We spoke about this agreement and its possible effects,
but for the sanctions to be up for debate again after such a very short time is
sad. Iran is one of Turkey's most important regional trading partners and one
of the major energy suppliers.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu drew attention to the fact that Iran is Turkey's main
transit country for trade with Central Asia and the Gulf states:
“We view the negative impact of the sanctions against Iran would have on
the Turkish economy with concern. In the past, Turkey suffered the large share
of damage in similar sanctions against Iraq and Iran. We do not want a repeat
of these instances. That is why we are of the opinion that potential damages
for Turkey need to be redressed.”
Stating that Turkey's has worked with “the West” for years Hisarcıklıoğlu
said, “The fire is pretty from afar, even romantic. However, we stand at its
edge. We do not want to be burned.”
Billingslea informed attendees in regards to the US policies and
sensitivities regarding Iran during the portion of the meeting which took place
closed to the press.