* Photo: Murat Kula - Ankara / AA
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President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at two opening ceremonies in Turkey on Saturday (December 26), proclaiming that the year 2021 would be a "year of democratic and economic reforms" in the country.
As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA), Erdoğan connected via live video link from İstanbul to the first event in the capital Ankara on the occasion of the construction of a road segment in Gölbaşı district.
"In essence, the world is going through a process in which the health crisis that began with the coronavirus epidemic has evolved into increasingly deep economic and political shocks. Turkey has been caught up in this historic transformation at a time when it has developed in terms of infrastructure, is politically strong, prepared economy-wise and active both on the field and at the [negotiation] table, said President Erdoğan.
He also added that "Turkey would surely get what it deserves politically and economically in the new global architecture. We make all our accounts, all our investments, all our projects accordingly."
Erdoğan said, "Any development in our region and the world reaffirms and further consolidates Turkey's strength and importance. Accordingly, both our hearts and arms are open to anyone who wants to walk with us.
"We do not have any particular issue or insoluble problem with Europe, the US, Russia, China or any other country in our region. We are ready to meet, talk, come to an agreement and cooperate with anyone on the condition that our sovereignty, rights, laws and potential be respected."
'The year of democratic reforms'
Stating that they continue reforms in accordance with these goals, Erdoğan concluded his words: "I hope that 2021 will be the year of democratic and economic reforms, as we promised our nation.
"We will present the preparations for this to the discretion of our nation and parliament as soon as possible."
"We are making democratic reforms not because anyone forces us, but because every member of our nation is worthy of them. With this understanding, we'll quickly execute [reform] packages for which we've completed preparations and swiftly complete fresh efforts."
Investments in energy
In a second opening ceremony marking the opening of a lithium carbonate production plant in the neighboring Eskişehir province, Erdoğan said that the lithium produced at the plant is projected to be used in components in Turkey's first domestically manufactured electric car under the stewardship of the country's Automobile Joint Venture Group (TOGG).
Hailing the Etimaden Lithium Carbonate Production Plant in central Turkey, Erdoğan argued that new investments from transportation to culture and art, agriculture and the defense industry were being opened in the country every day, even as other economies have come to a standstill.
He said that 2020 was a fruitful year for Turkey, especially in the field of energy, adding: "In particular, we pay special attention to the boron mineral, which is one of the most strategic underground resources of our country." (AS/SD)
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