By Erdogan Cagatay Zontur
ANKARA (AA) – Asia, a continent with the world’s 21 largest cities, accounts for more than 40% of global economic output, Turkey's foreign minister said Wednesday.
“Asia is returning to be a center for global economic activities,” Mevlut Cavusoglu said at the Asia Cooperation Dialogue’s foreign ministers meeting in Doha, Qatar.
He added: “It has become the main growth engine of the world.”
Referring to recent terror attacks in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, he said: “There should be no distinction between terrorist groups, and we need to address root causes of terrorism and extremism.''
He went on to say that regional cooperation was crucial to achieve inclusive economic growth, sustainable development and social justice.
Cavusoglu stressed Turkey became part of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue and other forums “to maximize the potential of Asia and to address issues that affect daily lives.”
He added that to increase trade volume efficient transport networks and energy infrastructure were crucial.
“In the light of increasing trade volume, developing secure and efficient transport networks will have significant impact in generating economic rings.
“We should focus on establishing a regional energy infrastructure network and developing renewable energy resources and promoting energy efficiency programs.”
He also stressed the power of cultural exchange and tourism.
“As someone born and raised in Turkey’s Mediterranean part, our main tourism region, I mean Antalya, I know first-hand how tourism and cultural exchange positively contribute to prosperity and stability,” he said.
Cavusoglu later met his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
