Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Emphasizing that Turkey and Germany have deep-rooted historical, economic and humanitarian relations, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Germany is a great economy. Turkey is also the largest industrial giant between Italy and China. These two major economies have important relationships, both in terms of investment and economics. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan are important in this success. Both leaders contribute to the development of the business worlds of the two countries.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu noted that there are over 3 million Turks living in Germany, mostly German citizens, and that they carry out important tasks in the business world, politics, sports, art, education and health of the country.

Pointing out that there are over 7,000 German companies in Turkey, Hisarcıklıoğlu said:

“They have investments of around 10 billion euros. German companies employ about 120,000 people in Turkey. Germany, the largest economy of the European Union (EU), but also the engine of the EU, has always been a pioneer and decisive in Turkey-EU relations. We have Germany's support in every decision that brings Turkey closer to the EU. Looking at the agenda of Turkey-EU relations, we need Germany's support. In particular, the modernization of the Customs Union and visa liberalization for Turkish citizens are at the forefront.”

- “There are deep ties between Germany and Turkey”

German Ambassador to Ankara Jürgen Schulz said economic relations between the two countries are expressions of mutual trust and understanding.

Schulz stated that the trade volume between Turkey and Germany increases every year. “In both countries, companies establish their representations and build production facilities The two countries have an intense relationship with their communities set apart from politics. Although our relations in the field of economics are close and multifaceted, our partnership and friendship between our countries goes far beyond that. The economy benefits from this close partnership. Germany and Turkey have deep ties beyond the purchase of goods and services in the field of economics. These ties, which date back years, were formed thanks to the people of both countries. These people wrote the story of the unique relationship between our countries,” he said.

Schulz stated that they want to honor Hisarcıklıoğlu with the presentation of the State Order, and that the TOBB President has the credibility to solve the problems of German companies.

"Mr. Rifat, the combination of your ability to see ahead, your extraordinary environment in the business world and your mediation skills that bring the parties together has made it an ideal bridge between the Turkish political world and economic relations between Germany and Turkey," Schulz said.

Schulz emphasized that Hisarcıklıoğlu was the one who supported and consulted with interest the German-Turkish Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Turkey) problems in Istanbul at all times, and said that they owed it to Hisarcıklıoğlu’s personal and decisive initiatives to sign and operate the protocol for the establishment of AHK Turkey in 1994.

Hisarcıklıoğlu also made important contributions to the vocational education of young people in Turkey, Schulz said.

“The presentation of the Order of the State is a private and personal matter. With this engagement, we want to honor the people who have done extraordinary service. We want to honor people like you who have dedicated their lives to their duties and whose private lives and work lives are intertwined, and whose dedication to their duties shines through.”

- Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Faruk Kaymakcı

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Faruk Kaymakcı noted the importance of cooperation between the two countries during the “State Order of the Federal Republic of Germany Presentation Ceremony” held at the German Embassy in Ankara.

Kaymakcı stated that the presentation of the State Order is a reflection of Turkish-German friendship and said that philanthropy and problem solving are important values in the relations between the two countries. Kaymakcı stated that Hisarcıklıoğlu is a worker, tradesman and human friend.

Pointing out that Turks and Germans can do great things together, Kaymakcı said, “Today, in the fight against Covid-19, Europe's vaccine has become a Turkish-German mix. When Turks and Germans work together in difficult regions of the world, they have the opportunity to carry out important peace, stability and development projects.”

At the ceremony, Ambassador Schulz presented the State Order to Hisarcıklıoğlu.