Binali Yıldırım: “(The attack on TUSAŞ) is an activity aimed at sabotaging Devlet Bahçeli’s call for reconciliation.”

Binali Yıldırım, the Chairman of the Elders Committee of the Turkish States Organization (TDT), stated that “the attack on TUSAŞ is an attack on Turkey’s independence. It is also an activity aimed at sabotaging the call for embrace made by our President and Devlet Bahçeli of the People’s Alliance in recent days.”

The opening program of the International Conference on Working Life and Social Protection in Turkish States (TDÇHSK 2024) was held at the University of Health Sciences. The program was attended by the Chairman of the Elders Committee of the Turkish States Organization (TDT) Binali Yıldırım, Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan, Minister of Labor and Social Security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Sadık Gardiyanoğlu, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan Sahil Babayev, Turkish-İş General Chairman Ergün Atalay, TİKA President Serkan Kayalar, representatives of foreign missions, academics, and students. The program began with a music performance by the Ankara State Turkish Folk Music Choir. In his opening speech, Minister Işıkhan stated, “The most pleasing development in our inter-state relations in recent years has undoubtedly been the establishment of the Turkish States Organization. This organization, established with the material and moral efforts of member and observer countries over many years, has identified more than thirty areas of cooperation among its members. In line with all these developments, we have gained significant opportunities to further strengthen inter-country cooperation and solidarity. Our common goal is the prosperity, security, and peace of our peoples. The most important way to achieve this goal is to ensure labor market peace and to structure social security systems robustly.”

“We wish to see an increase in the number of social security agreements in the coming years.”

Işıkhan emphasized the important responsibilities of labor ministries, stating, “It should not be forgotten that social security, which is a requirement of the social state understanding, is a constitutional right that protects individuals against risks they may face throughout their lives. Ensuring our citizens’ protection against retirement, health, work accidents, illness, and other social risks is one of the most important responsibilities of states. At this point, mutual recognition of social security systems among our countries, as well as sharing information and experience, is of great importance. Initial steps have been taken in this area through mutual social security agreements, various delegation visits, and training programs to ensure the recognition of systems by the parties. The agreements aim to ensure that employees of both sides can fully benefit from social security rights, regardless of which country they are in. At the same time, these agreements facilitate labor mobility and strengthen the relationship between workers and employers. For now, we wish to see an increase in the number of social security agreements signed with three Turkish states in the coming years. Especially in today’s globalized world, labor mobility is increasing, and the working and living conditions of individuals in different countries are becoming more and more complex. Therefore, as the Turkish world, we should also benefit from each other’s experiences and develop joint projects on social security and labor peace. This congress provides an important platform to establish strong cooperation ties among our countries.”

“It is an activity aimed at sabotaging the call for embrace by Devlet Bahçeli.”

Binali Yıldırım, in his speech, said, “The union has 5 founding members and 3 observers. Last year, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus joined us as an observer member at the Samarkand Summit. This is an important step. It is a significant decision that somewhat breaks the isolation and global embargo imposed on Northern Cyprus since the Cyprus Peace Operation. Today, it is our duty to fight for the recognition of this right, which has been seized from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, first in the Turkish states organization and then in the whole world. Only by doing this can we honor the souls of our martyrs. We are a country that has fought against terrorism in all its forms for 40 years. Our expertise in combating terrorism is unparalleled in any country in the world. One ends, another begins. You can count the FETÖ terrorist organization, the separatist terrorist organization, and the DAEŞ terrorist organization. The aim is to reduce Turkey’s energy and prevent Turkey from becoming a regional and global power, but they will not succeed. The attack on TUSAŞ is an attack on Turkey’s independence. It is also an activity aimed at sabotaging the call for embrace made by our President and Devlet Bahçeli of the People’s Alliance in recent days. This must be well understood. But these will have no effect whatsoever, and hopefully, those who sow discord among our citizens will be doomed to failure.”

After the presentation of gifts at the program, a break was made for a family photo session with the participants. The next part of the conference continued with a panel of ministers.