Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

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.