In a speech at the ceremony, Erdoğan said: “Water is one of the most precious resources of our world and humanity. Water resources, which are inevitable for life, health, development and a livable environment, prevent drought and poverty as well. We should appreciate the value of every drop of water, which is a source of life for every living creature from the smallest to the biggest.”

“Debates on global warming increase the importance of renewable and green energy resources”

Drawing attention to the economic value of water in a wide range of areas including energy, transport, agriculture and tourism, Erdoğan stated: “Water is also a primary resource of energy, which is essential for development and which is needed more and more every passing day because of the developments in technology. Water is a renewable energy resource unlike fossil fuels which recklessly deplete the world’s limited resources such as oil, coal and natural gas. What is more, fossil fuels give rise to many problems ranging from air pollution to global warming.”

Erdoğan continued his remarks as follows: “Debates on climate change increase the importance of renewable and green energy resources. Water resources are the leading means of native and renewable energy generation in our country. The characteristics of our geography offer us significant opportunities in this regard. Generating electricity from water stands out since it doesn’t cause air pollution, nor reduce the amount of water that is used or degenerate its quality. The dams built for hydroelectric power plants offer many additional opportunities from irrigation to fishery. The issue of allocating the money, which stays inside the country thanks to the generation of electricity from water, to critically important development investments is just as important as other issues for such countries as Türkiye.” (ILKHA)