In his remarks, President Erdoğan highlighted that the Turkish government has provided 45 billion Turkish liras in direct cash support to the fishing sector. Additionally, the government has offered 35 billion Turkish liras in treasury-backed investment and operating loans to address the sector's financing needs.

“Our fishing vessels, equipped with the latest technology, operate not only within our territorial waters but also in international waters,” Erdoğan stated. He emphasized the expansion of Türkiye’s fishing rights through agreements with other countries, particularly in Africa. The number of countries with which Türkiye has fishing agreements increased from 10 last year to 15 this year, with negotiations with 12 additional countries nearing completion.

Currently, Türkiye conducts fishing operations in eight countries, including Mauritania. Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye’s approach is not driven by colonial ambitions but by a win-win philosophy. “We ensure that the local population, as well as friendly and brotherly nations, benefit from the added value generated,” he said.

He further noted that Turkish investors contribute to local economies by processing their products in factories they establish, thereby creating jobs for citizens of the host countries. (ILKHA)