On November 18, 2024, CEFTUS hosted an insightful and engaging event at Committee Room 20, within the historic Houses of Parliament. The gathering brought together a distinguished panel of speakers to discuss key political, social, and economic issues in Türkiye and their implications on the broader international stage.

The event featured contributions from:

• Mehmet Emin Ekmen, MP in the Turkish Grand Assembly with the Democracy and Progress Party
• Lord Qurban Hussain, Member of the House of Lords
• Mike Reader MP, Member of Parliament for Northampton South
• Ibrahim Dogus, Director and Founder of CEFTUS
• Ali Keskinbicak, Chief Executive Officer at Brulian Capital
• Ahmed Shebani, Founder of the Democratic Party of Libya

Keynote Address by Mehmet Emin Ekmen

In his keynote address, Mehmet Emin Ekmen, MP with the Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA), offered a comprehensive analysis of Türkiye’s evolving political landscape. He reflected on the challenges of navigating a highly polarised political environment and the implications of Türkiye’s unique presidential system. Delving into topics such as the 2023 presidential elections and the opposition’s vision for parliamentary reform, Mr. Ekmen provided critical insights into the obstacles and opportunities facing the nation.

Highlighting the economic turbulence in Türkiye, Mr. Ekmen addressed the impacts of inflation, rising debt, and the broader implications of fiscal mismanagement. He underscored the importance of returning to a rule-of-law framework to foster trust and stability, emphasising that a stronger democracy and more inclusive policymaking are essential for sustainable growth.

International and Domestic Issues in Focus

The panel explored a range of pressing issues, from Türkiye’s foreign policy dynamics to its handling of domestic matters, including human rights and the Kurdish question. Mr. Ekmen examined historical and ongoing attempts to address these challenges, noting the importance of balancing security concerns with democratic reforms.

Drawing parallels between Türkiye’s challenges and international examples, Mr. Ekmen pointed to the lessons that could be learned from other nations in addressing political polarisation and fostering reconciliation.

Contributions from Other Speakers

Each of the distinguished speakers contributed their perspectives, enriching the dialogue:

• Ali Keskinbicak shared his expertise on economic development and the role of financial institutions in fostering resilience.
• Ahmed Shebani offered insights into the broader regional dynamics, particularly in Libya, and the interconnectedness of Middle Eastern politics.
• Lord Qurban Hussain reflected on the UK’s role in fostering international dialogue and promoting stability in regions facing political upheaval.
• Mike Reader MP brought a British parliamentary perspective, emphasising the value of cross-border collaboration and the importance of inclusive dialogue.
• Ibrahim Dogus, as host and founder of CEFTUS, articulated the organisation’s mission to create bridges between the UK, Türkiye, and beyond, ensuring that such critical conversations continue to take place.

A Platform for Collaborative Dialogue

This CEFTUS event underscored the importance of fostering open and constructive conversations about shared challenges and opportunities. By bringing together diverse voices from politics, finance, and civil society, the event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue aimed at advancing understanding and collaboration between Türkiye, the UK, and the international community

If you’d like to read the speech, please check out the links below for the Turkish and English versions.

Mehmet Emin Ekmen’s Speech in English

Mehmet Emin Ekmen – Turkce konusma metni