The Marmara Foundation published the joint communiqué consisting of the shared thoughts, views and demands of the participants of the 14th Eurasian Economic Summit that took place on April 13-15, 2011

 

 

        The participation of Macedonia, Albania and the Autonomous Territory of Gagauzia at the presidential level as well as the participation of 9 former presidents, 2 vice speakers of parliament, 21 ministers, and 179 foreign dignitaries to the 14th Eurasian Economic Summit, which brought together 48 countries, was highly appreciated by the attendees of the Summit.

 

        The special message from the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the high level of participation by Azerbaijan with a commission consisting of the vice president, 3 ministers, the vice speaker of parliament and members of the national assembly was also a source of contentment. The representation of Azerbaijan by a group of musicians that reflect the Azerbaijani culture was also praised as an important contribution.

 

        In the 14th Eurasian Economic Summit the important place the Marmara Foundation occupies and the recognition it enjoys in the international arena was brought to attention.

 

         It was indicated that non-governmental organizations like the Marmara Foundation constitute indispensable platforms for advanced democracies and that they constitute a feature of civilization as the grounds and platforms for debate. Also stressed was that these platforms were just and that they enabled expression that is free of fear and worry. It was also remarked by the participants that Eurasian Economic Summits were communication platforms where people can freely debate the issues of their countries and the world.

 

        Speakers, who indicated that the phenomenon of Eurasia was in direct relation to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union and that this phenomenon has constituted a new geography, stated that it was impossible to maintain peace without wiping out poverty. The participants assured that the world will move towards advancement again and hopeful that this was going to be a peaceful process indicated that Europe and Asia moved together throughout the history. The speakers who saw the revival of the Silk Road as the way to restart advancement pointed out that Europe and Asia were inseparable and that they complemented each other in every sense. Participants emphasizing that much progress has been achieved within the last 20 years stated that Europe has become a united whole and that the Balkans, Eastern Europe and the Baltic Regions have become a part of Europe. In the Balkans Romania and Bulgaria have become members of the EU; Croatia is in the process of becoming a member. Greece is already a member; however, other countries in the Balkans have not become members. A Europe that does not include the Balkans misses one of its wings. If it needs wings to fly, Europe must include the Balkans in its entirety. Turkey must also be included. There was agreement that it was within the frame of Europe’s responsibilities to ensure candidate states meet membership conditions.

 

 

 

        The participants of the Summit reminding that trade movements such as the Silk Road blossom and the cultural riches spread to the world from these soils expressed that Eurasia had a high economic potential and that Eurasia that spreads on 25 million square kilometers has a population of almost 400 millions, a total income of 4 trillion dollars and over 1 trillion dollars in foreign trade volume.

 

        Participants stating that trade between Eurasian countries do not meet expectancies emphasized that an initiative having been taken by the UN Development Program encouraged investments.

 

        While discussing the change in perceptions about the environment and the world in the 21st century stressed that great geopolitical, geo-economic and geo-cultural changes have taken place within the last 20-30 years unraveling the current problems of the contemporary world. Participants, who indicated that economic growth on a global scale has not reduced poverty, put forward that the gap has grown between the rich and poor countries and that the number of impoverished countries has increased.

 

        The speakers of the Summit called for strengthening of the friendship and cooperation between countries leaving aside historical hostilities and rivalries.

 

        Participants while expressing their views on terror commented that countries in our region were deeply affected by violent acts of terrorism and radical movements and that terror was a serious threat having a negative influence on the stability of the region.

 

        Discussing the implementation of a new project to relieve the pressure on the Bosphorus Strait under the Session on Energy, speakers stressed the need to protect Istanbul with its eight thousand and five hundred years of history and all its beauty.

 

        Participants asserted that the world has been the scene of a great change within the last 20 years and that globalization has triggered advancement in technology. Suggesting that in the last 20 years world has become unipolar and that the US has gained dominance as the single super power, speakers criticized UN and other international organizations for being insufficient in responding to complicated problems that were experienced and expressed the need for the emergence of new institutions.

 

        Under the Dialogue Session speakers indicated that dialogue was the only method to overcome discrimination, othering and alienation. Participants underlining the impossibility of eliminating overnight what has been existent in the minds of the public from all spheres for thousands of years and what is still being nurtured and supported by various sources, stated that the way of controlling this phenomenon was dialogue and reiterated the importance of dialogue tirelessly, with determination, without resting, losing hope, desolation or giving up. Pointing out that religion as an institution was not a cause for the dissolution of societies and that; on the contrary, religion was one of the strongest, the most widespread and the most dominant dynamics in the world, participants of the Summit claimed that societies in which religion and belief are dominant attract more attention by the people; that religion was a focal point in international relations and global politics; also that, one should not overlook the fact that religion is an element that influences social values directly and state policies indirectly.

 

 

 

        The fact that Iraq has taken important steps in democracy and the importance for Egypt and Tunisia to reach stability in the process of transitioning to democracy has been stressed.

 

        The initiative of the Russian Federation to bring peace and stability to Caucasia and Central Asia has been praised.

 

        Regarding the nuclear power plant, the need to face the questions and the importance of a secure structuring for today’s economy has been raised.

 

        The need for investment in Moldova and Gagauzia and that their respective governments will provide all the support needed to investors has been emphasized.

 

        After stating that it is open to investors, representatives from China invited Eurasia and developed countries to invest in China.

 

        Romania and Bulgaria stressed the need for Turkey’s membership in the EU.

 

        Belgium stated its appreciation for the organization of a special session for women under the Eurasian Economic Summit.

 

        Azerbaijan pointed out that 2011 was going to be the year of Tourism in Azerbaijan and that Azerbaijan was going to become a new center for tourism.

 

        It has been agreed that an international initiative must be taken regarding the 15th Eurasian Economic Summit which will celebrate its bronze year in 2012 and that a commission must be formed in order to start the preparations and planning of the Summit in 2011