Summit of two decades focuses on ‘Humanity at Crossroads’

Two hundred statesmen, academics, businessmen and re from 44 countries, religious functionaries gather i the 20th Eurasian Economic Summit this year, to discuss “Humanity at Crossroads” in Istanbul, where the continents meet.

The summit will address a wide range of regional issues, focusing on the challenges faced by the EU, efforts against terrorism, and migration, running until April 6.

“In the Eurasian Economic Summits, traditionally we bring sustainable economy, renewable energy, communication and transportation. For this year’s topic of the day, we will bring illegal politics and actions happening in Europe with the title of ‘Challenges That European Union Faces with and Its Future Concerns’ up for discussion,” Akkan Suver, the head of the Marmara Group Foundation, has told the Hürriyet Daily News.

“We will discuss tragic events, forced migration and terrorism under the title ‘Contributions of the Religions to Peace in Order to Overcome the Environment of Violence and Terror and the Association between Migration and Terrorism’ with statesmen, politicians,academics and religious functionaries,” he said.

This year’s “Presidential Session” will host Bujar Nishani, President of Albania, Gjorge Ivanov, President of Macedonia, Mladen Ivanic, President of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mustafa Akıncı, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Irina Vlah, Governor of Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia. Abdullah Gül, President of Turkey (2007-2014), Heinz Fischer, President of Austria (2004- 2016), Bamir Topi, President of Albania (2007-2012), Ivo Josipovic, President of Croatia (2010- 2015) and Stepan Mesic, President of Croatia (2000-2010), Valdis Zatlers, President of Latvia (2007-2011), Petru Lucinschi, President of Moldova (1997- 2001), Emil Constantinescu, President of Romania (1996-2000) and Boris Tadic, President of Serbia (2004-2014) are the other speakers to address the audience in the same session.

Deputy Prime Ministers Tuğrul Türkeş and Mehmet Şimşek and Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Ahmet Arslan will deliver speeches in the summit. Azerbaijan will be the star country of the Eurasian Economic Summit this year as well.

Israel will be participating in the Summit with Dalia Itzik, Former Chairman of Parliament, Bosnia and Herzegovina will be participating in the 20th Eurasian Economic Summit with Safet Softic, Second Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples and Melika Mahmutbegovic, Vice-President of the Federation.

The Jockey Club of Turkey will hold the traditional Eurasian Economic Summits Cup Race. Şişecam, Turkey’s famous glass company, will also present an exhibition of special art work.The summit took a start with a gala dinner in Istanbul, which was followed by istanbul Ready-Made Garment Exporters’ Association (İHKİB) fashion show with the famous designer Çiğdem Akın’s works.