Ankara Center for Crisis and Policy Studies (ANKASAM) organized, on 6th November, the conference on the topic “In Search of Integration in the Shadow of the Global Power Struggle and the Turkic World”.
The conference brought together 42 participants from 16 countries, consisting of valuable and experienced academicians, political experts and retired diplomats who are experts in the subject.
In the conference organized by ANKASAM, attention was drawn to the increasing importance of the Turkish World, which is located in the center of Eurasia, one of the most important scenes of the global power struggle. Ankara Center for Crisis and Political Studies (ANKASAM) expressed its readiness to assume the responsibility of evaluating opportunities for prosperity and cooperation, believing that peace and stability in the region will be built through the peaceful efforts of the regional states.
Distinguished Rector of Cappadocia University Professor Hasan Ali Karasar, who made a speech in the closing ceremony, indicated that 2021 is the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Turkic world and the holding of such a conference this year is remarkable, especially given the increasing importance of Central Asia in the era of a global transformation. According to Prof. Karasar, the Turkic region is of key importance due to the growing economically active young generation and energy opportunities. Therefore, the integration of these countries is very important and desirable. On this point, it is important to note that the Turkish speaking states do not represent the threat for the other states but brings only peace and prosperity for all geopolitical actors including neighbors like Russia and China.
Another honoured speaker, former ambassador of the USA to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza also outlined the importance of the Turkic world from an economic point of view since the region is located at the crossroads of two continents. Therefore, the stability of the Turkic world will serve as a guarantee of order in the Eurasia region. According to the former ambassador, the US failed to achieve the implementation of its democracy policy in Central Asia, a vivid confirmation of this is Afghanistan. USA should respect the past, history and culture of this region and democratization must work only according to the norms of this state.
In conclusion, the President of ANKASAM, Prof. Mehmet Seyfettin Erol, delivered the closing speech. Prof. Seyfettin Erol expressed his deep gratitude for participation in the conference to all speakers, who have tried to offer impartial, measured and rational approaches that will serve regional and global peace. He believes that thanks to this conference, the establishment of a connection based on dialogue among experts living in different countries will also begin.
Prof. Seyfettin Erol hopes that the problems in Eurasia are solved peacefully and can be established permanently in the region in the future. In this sense, the Turkic Council also has a significant mission and responsibility for ensuring regional peace and integration.
Undoubtedly, building a better future in Eurasia is one of the objectives of this conference. ANKASAM, which is a non-governmental think-tank, will continue to contribute to the formation of a common intellectual-strategic consciousness that takes into account peaceful methods for solving problems and crises on a regional-global basis, especially in Eurasia.
The final declaration to be prepared in this context will take its final form with your contribution and approval and will be announced to the world as soon as possible.
Readers can watch the recording of the online conference on the ANKASAM YouTube channel.