ISTANBUL, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The 18th Verona Eurasian Economic Forum kicked off on Thursday in Türkiye's largest city Istanbul, featuring discussions among policymakers, company leaders, and scholars from Europe and Asia.
Under the theme of "New Energy for New Economic Realities," the forum addresses critical global issues ranging from energy and the digital economy to investment, transportation, and logistics infrastructure.
In a congratulatory letter to the forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted Eurasia's special role in global affairs, including in the process of building a multipolar world order.
He added that Eurasia is home to the main centers of economic growth and key transport and trade routes, and the discussions at the event are "highly relevant."
In his keynote speech at the opening ceremony, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said that Türkiye's position at the crossroads of continents gives the country a natural advantage as a center of gravity for regional and global cooperation.
He said that Türkiye stands ready to build bridges between continents, industries, as well as traditional and new energy systems.
"We will continue to play a constructive role in shaping the global economy as a reliable partner for shared prosperity and sustainable growth," Bayraktar said.
Antonio Fallico, president of the Conoscere Eurasia Association, the forum's organizer, said the Global South is seeking new mechanisms of engagement and coordination and new ways to solve the most important problems. He called for dialogue and exchange as countries work to promote the welfare of all peoples and social prosperity across Eurasia.
Established in 2007 in Verona, Italy, the two-day forum aims to foster economic and cultural ties across Eurasia. ■
