It is an honor to welcome you under the roof of the Marmara Group Foundation and with Eurasian Philosophy. Once again I salute you on behalf of myself and my friends. In this meeting, in which we can feel the presence of political and economic actors of the Caucasus, Balkans and Central Asia, we will witness groundbreaking ideas.

In the 17th Eurasian Economic Summit, we will discuss dilemmas of economy and commerce within the context of Silk Road Philosophy. We believe all of us will benefit from talking about developments in the field of economy and energy within the context of Silk Road Philosophy. Silk Road, as a philosophy and prosperity sharing project, will bring together Pacific and Baltic Sea. If we accept the fact that permanent monetary expansion policies will not be able to continue perpetually and if we assume that rising energy values without economic recovery will cause new crisis, then the importance of Silk Road will be understood. Therefore we will talk about global competition.

The world grew 2.9 percent in 2013. Approximately 3.6 percent growth is foreseen in 2014. EU countries decreased 0.4 percent in 2013. It is expected that this region, by recovering, will catch 1.0 percent growth rate. In the light of this information, it is possible to say developed economies will enter a new growth cycle.

We will bring commerce and economy in Silk Road into question under light of these predictions. A line from China to London! We will discuss developing countries, growing economies and their potentials throughout the line. As Marmara Group Foundation, we evaluate Silk Road as a philosophy.

One of the indispensable main subjects of Eurasia Economic Summits is Energy. We will discuss the future of Eurasia energies, new balance of powers in new western and multiaxial world order in roadmap of The Trans-Anatolian Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). As Marmara Group Foundation we attach great importance to Shahdeniz 2 project as well.

We know that with Shahdeniz project, South Caucasus Pipeline will be extended and with TANAP and TAP projects Turkey and Caucasus will be energy centers due to natural gas transportation from Greece, through Albania, to Italy. Therefore political stability and economic welfare will reach new potentials. Global environment where problems are being intensified regionally however with the progress that has been achieved by Azerbaijan and Turkey will draw a framework enabling self-confident actions in our periphery.

European countries including Turkey, which shows a current account deficit, strives with energy import. Energy import hampers potential growths and prevents necessary investments.

Therefore we will include TANAP and TAP Projects and Shahdeniz 2 agreement. Each new development will be a new step for more development. Our dreams will be technological realities of our grandchildren. The 21st century, as a century of humanity, enables all universal dimensions of science. Therefore it is the time for turning new ideas to output. Second step is turning new and creative ideas to value added products, methods and services. Instead of living in mistakes of past, we should change our point of view and should be abstracted from familiar concepts and shape Eurasian geography from this perspective.

One of the issues we should address, most likely the most important issue we should address, is high market economies’ inability to get through political problems. Poverty and inequality in our region, hinders democracy. We know that enrichment is not enough for welfare and democracy. Of course, the crisis of developing economies causes problems in my country as well.

Like all economies, Turkey’s economy is face to face with certain problems. Exogenous factors are blameworthy for this just like internal factors. We have technical problems. As Marmara Group Foundation, with our civil society identity, we would like to stress that our European friends do not take enough interest in Turkey-EU relations. Turkey is a country with EU values, which is loyal to EU norms and criteria. Of course Turkey’s relation with Eurasia is important. Turkey’s common benefits with Africa and America are increasing day by day.

However, Turkey is determined to maintain these relations under European Union Philosophy. Meantime, I want to repeat one thing once again. We gave great importance to Turkey’s future with European Union. Turkey is a part of Europe and will celebrate Republic day of Turkey in 2023 as a member of EU. I believe in it.