Italian companies should view Türkiye as gateway to Asia, Mideast, Africa: Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday urged Italian companies to see Türkiye as a gateway to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, just as Turkish firms view Italy as a gateway to Europe.

Erdogan arrived in Rome on Tuesday to attend the 4th Intergovernmental Summit between Türkiye and Italy, at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Addressing a business forum in Rome, Erdogan highlighted that Türkiye’s economy continues to grow despite regional conflicts, wars, and the devastating 2023 earthquake.

He emphasized that Ankara is committed to implementing its economic program, focusing on improving the investment climate and pursuing structural reforms.

“We believe it would be in our best interest to increase our joint efforts, particularly to secure our share in the expected expansion of the security and defense sector in Europe,” Erdogan said.

Noting that the world is going through a period where greater protectionism and turning inward are being discussed in the economy, Erdogan said: “We are all following the mutual showdowns taking place over customs tariffs. We are striving to manage this dynamic environment successfully for the Turkish economy and even turn it into an opportunity.”

“We emerged unscathed from similar past challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we believe we will achieve the same success and have full confidence in the Turkish economy,” President Erdogan added.

Need to update Customs Union with EU

Highlighting the importance of the 3rd Term Meeting of the Türkiye–Italy Joint Economic and Trade Committee, which will take place before the end of 2025, Erdogan said, “We feel the need to update our Customs Union with the EU in a way that aligns with changing global economic conditions in order to realize the full potential of our trade and economic relations.”

Emphasizing that they expect the support of the Italian government and business circles for an update that would benefit both sides under a win-win approach, he added: “On the other hand, we see that the difficulties our business community faces regarding visas are hindering our economic relations.”

“I believe it would be in both parties’ interest for the Italian business community to raise this issue with EU institutions. In conclusion, I believe that today’s business forum will pave the way for new ventures and strong partnerships,” Erdogan said.

Türkiye, Italy sign 11 memorandums of understanding

Meanwhile, during the summit Türkiye and Italy signed several agreements in areas including trade, industrial investments, space exploration, culture, sports, social services, archives, transportation, and defense.

The memorandums of understanding followed the Fourth Türkiye-Italy Intergovernmental Summit, co-chaired by Erdogan and Meloni.

Key agreements included a Joint Ministerial Statement between the Turkish Ministry of Trade and Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at strengthening trade relations.

Another memorandum of understanding was signed between the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology and Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy to enhance cooperation in science, technology, innovation, industry, and investment.

Other significant agreements were reached, including a partnership between the Turkish Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency to promote peaceful space activities. Additionally, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Italy’s Ministry of Culture signed an agreement to combat the illicit trade of cultural property.

Agreements on inter-museum cooperation

Additional memorandums included agreements for inter-museum cooperation, the promotion of archaeological heritage, and collaboration between the Turkish State Archives and Italy’s Archives Directorate.

Further, the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports and Italy’s Ministry of Sports and Youth signed an agreement, along with a cooperation pact between Türkiye’s Ministry of Family and Social Services and Italy’s Ministry of Disabilities.

The Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport also signed a memorandum to enhance transportation cooperation.

Lastly, a preliminary protocol was signed between Baykar, a leading Turkish drone manufacturer, and Leonardo, one of Europe’s largest defense companies.