Türkiye to deepen SCO cooperation, says Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that Ankara would deepen its cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), describing the bloc as a "rising star." Speaking at the SCO Plus meeting in Bishkek, he emphasized that the organization represents 3.5 billion people and $35 trillion in GDP.

Deepening ties with 'rising star'

"We will strive to advance our cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which we see as a rising star, in every field," Erdogan said during the summit in the Kyrgyz capital. He described the SCO as an indispensable element of a multipolar order, noting that the bloc represents 3.5 billion people and $35 trillion in gross domestic product.

Transport corridors and energy security

Erdogan stated that Türkiye was taking responsibility for resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, adding that Ankara would continue working for peace worldwide. "We believe that the organization will play a role not only in ensuring peace and stability, but also in establishing secure transportation corridors and ensuring energy supply security," he said, highlighting the importance of aligning the Middle Corridor initiative with the Belt and Road Initiative.

Climate summit and defense initiatives

The Turkish leader announced that Türkiye would host the COP31 climate summit in Antalya on November 11-12, underscoring Ankara's commitment to combating climate change. Referring to Gaza and Lebanon, Erdogan said 74,000 people had been killed in Israeli attacks and warned that the entire region was paying the price for aggressive policies, adding that the Mecca Defense Alliance would make significant contributions to regional stability.