Minister Uraloğlu Addresses ATLAS Project Closing Ceremony
Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, highlighted the pivotal role of Turkey in the global landscape, stating that the country has become central to the Eurasian belt connecting Europe to Asia. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Analysis of Turkey’s Transport Legislation in the Process of Harmonization with the European Union Acquis (ATLAS) Project, Minister Uraloğlu emphasized the importance of fostering strong relations with the European Union in the field of transport.
With the trade volume between Turkey and the EU reaching 210.3 billion dollars in 2023, Minister Uraloğlu underscored the significance of the partnership between Turkey and the EU in driving economic growth. He highlighted the investments made in Turkey’s transportation and communication infrastructure, totaling over 277 billion dollars since 2002.
Minister Uraloğlu also discussed the strategic importance of transportation projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and Marmaray in facilitating uninterrupted transportation between Asia and Europe. He emphasized the goal of increasing the share of railways in freight transport from 5 percent to 22 percent by 2053, aligning with the EU’s target of shifting 75 percent of freight transportation from roads to railways.
Furthermore, Minister Uraloğlu highlighted the importance of sustainability and digitalization in advancing Turkey’s transportation sector. The implementation of the Legislation Compliance Strategy and Action Plan, as well as the legislation information system ELIT, will ensure that Turkey is on track for full EU membership compliance in the transportation sector.
In conclusion, Minister Uraloğlu expressed Turkey’s readiness to collaborate with the EU on strategic projects that will benefit both parties. He emphasized the transformative impact of transportation improvements on various sectors such as industry, energy, and tourism, underscoring the potential for enhanced welfare and prosperity through effective cooperation. Turkey is committed to fostering a more constructive partnership with the EU in the field of transportation, paving the way for shared success and growth in the region.
