Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu relayed the sensitivities of Turkey in regards to at the meeting to inform the Turkish private sector concerning USA’s Iran policy and sanctions held at the TOBB Twin Towers with the participation of the US Treasury Assistant Secretary Marshall Billingslea responsible for combating financing of terrorism and the delegation accompanying him.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they are concerned with the looming concept of “trade wars,” adding that the additional 25% US imports tax on steel imports are unfair and do not fit the spirit of the alliance between the two countries.

Stating that the taxes in question would adversely affect Turkey's iron and steel sector, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized exempting Turkey from these added taxes would contribute to the bilateral trade and relationship of both countries.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they oppose all weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, and that they are aware of the risks that nuclear weapons in the region would pose.

- The importance of Iran

Hisarcıklıoğlu reminded that the compromise reached in 2015 between the United Nations Security Council members and Iran, lifted obstacles to doing business with Iran. “We spoke about this agreement and its possible effects, but for the sanctions to be up for debate again after such a very short time is sad. Iran is one of Turkey's most important regional trading partners and one of the major energy suppliers.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu drew attention to the fact that Iran is Turkey's main transit country for trade with Central Asia and the Gulf states:

“We view the negative impact of the sanctions against Iran would have on the Turkish economy with concern. In the past, Turkey suffered the large share of damage in similar sanctions against Iraq and Iran. We do not want a repeat of these instances. That is why we are of the opinion that potential damages for Turkey need to be redressed.”

Stating that Turkey's has worked with “the West” for years Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The fire is pretty from afar, even romantic. However, we stand at its edge. We do not want to be burned.”

Billingslea informed attendees in regards to the US policies and sensitivities regarding Iran during the portion of the meeting which took place closed to the press.