Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and the Union of Hellenic Chambers which make up the Nicosia Economy Forum held the third Forum in Athens. The Turkey Delegation led by Hisarcıklıoğlu was comprised of TOBB Treasurer Faik Yavuz, Gaziantep Chamber of Industry Chairman Adil Konukoğlu, TOBB BİS Inc. Chairman Ahmet Şekeroğlu and TEPAV Director Güven Sak.

In an announcement of the matters which have found joint understanding following the meeting, a call was made to restart negotiations in regards to Cyprus which have come to a dead stop. Stating that the current deadlock is not to the benefit of any involved, it was announced that, “The negotiations need to be conducted in a manner as to reach resolution, to be constructive and bring peace and prosperity to the Eastern Mediterranean in a win-win scenario.”

- Close cooperation will continue

With emphasis on the continuation of close cooperation, it was stated that, “Two chambers in Cyprus with the sole goal of developing the relations between the two peoples, urge politicians of both sides to support their efforts and reach a sustainable resolution. The Forum reemphasizes that the region’s prosperity is tied into the holistic solution to the Cyprus issue. Cyprus, Greece and Turkey deserve a better future as a part of the EU.”

The calendar for the completion of the efforts of the work groups established at the meeting in İstanbul, announcing that the committees would be announcing the results of their endeavors by the end of March 2015. It was also reported that the establishment of a Natural Disaster Management Unit was still underway. The effectiveness of the financial aspects of the various endeavors in regards to the resolution process made by chambers are still being discussed. The next meeting of the Nicosia Economic Forum will take place in Cyprus.