BAKU - ''We are facing a cold war between values. We must work to end all prejudices, misunderstandings and polarization between cultures,'' said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan today.
Erdogan addressed the participants of the 9th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
PM Erdogan stressed that the members of ECO are still busy trying to develop their economies and dealing with problems arising from globalization. ''Regional cooperation surely is essential to eradicate existing economic problems,'' told Erdogan.
''What we lack are unity and efficiency. If we really want, we can overcome many obstacles. I know it is based on our experience. Just a few years ago, Turkey went through an economic crisis. Today, Turkey is the 17th biggest market in the world,'' noted Erdogan. He added that cooperation among ECO members can help develop relevant economies.
According to Erdogan, Turkey can be an energy bridge between Asia and Europe. ''The governments of the region can encourage cooperation among private businesses of different countries,'' commented Erdogan.
PM Erdogan indicated that it is vital to establish the ECO Commercial and Development Bank as early as possible so that regional projects can get financed properly.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed that the ECO Summit will contribute to the welfare and stability of the region.