SECRETARY-GENERAL EMPHASIZES TURKEY'S PIVOTAL ROLE IN REGION, WORLD AT DINNER HOSTED BY PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ
Press Release
SG/SM/5997
SECRETARY-GENERAL EMPHASIZES TURKEY'S PIVOTAL ROLE IN REGION, WORLD AT DINNER HOSTED BY PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ
19960531 Following is the text of a toast given by Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali at the dinner hosted tonight by Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz of Turkey in Ankara:My presence here in Ankara underlines in a very personal way, the importance of the close working relationship between Turkey and the United Nations.
We recognize the important role played by Turkey in the work of the United Nations. In particular, I welcome Turkey's continuing financial commitment to United Nations humanitarian activities in Iraq. Turkey has also emerged as an important development donor, and has funded a number of programmes of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the region.
In addition, Turkey continues to play a vital role in working with the United Nations to secure peace and security around the world. Turkey played an integral part in major United Nations peace-keeping efforts in the former Yugoslavia and in Somalia. Today, Turkey participates in five vital peace- keeping operations: in Georgia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Eastern Slavonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and on the Iraq-Kuwait border.
Turkey is a founding member of the United Nations.
Over the past 50 years, Turkish diplomacy has played a major role in the work of the major organs of the United Nations, including the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council.
And Turkey's economic and social development programmes are shining examples of what can be accomplished with the right initiative, determination and proper mobilization of resources. Turkey's seventh five-year plan emphasizes the development of human resources and anti-poverty measures. In doing so, it will build on the work of United Nations development agencies.
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Our relationship is particularly significant because of the pivotal role Turkey plans in the region and in the world. Turkey's geographical location puts it at the crossroads of international trade, transport and communications. Turkey is the bridge between Europe, the Middle East, Transcaucasia and Central Asia. Turkey is a member of important political groupings, such as the Mediterranean Group, the Balkan Group, the Association of Black Sea Countries, the Economic Cooperation Organization and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. This puts Turkey in a unique geopolitical position.
The commitment that Turkey has made to the United Nations, is mirrored in our commitment to cooperate with you in the building of a modern, developed Turkey.
That commitment can be seen in our exhaustive preparations for the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements. Habitat II represents the culmination of two years of hard work.
Habitat II provides the United Nations with a marvelous opportunity to build on our existing programmes in Turkey. The good will generated by the Conference will help cement ever closer working relationships between the Turkish Government and United Nations agencies. Wherever possible, we will continue to provide technical, specialist, and independent advice.
Development is a challenge that concerns all peoples. In its broadest sense it must become the preoccupation of all Member States. The universal response to the current continuum of global conferences affirms that in many senses it already has. The consequences of neglect will be felt beyond the borders of the poorest countries. The impact will hit even those who feel themselves most secure.
It is in that spirit, and awareness, that the world gathers this week in Istanbul. We are grateful to you, Excellency, for the hospitality and support you have provided. I am pleased to offer a toast to you, to the Government and people of Turkey, and to the administration and citizens of Istanbul.
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