Türkiye's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has called for deeper international cooperation, fairer trade rules, and stronger support for vulnerable economies as global trade continues to weaken.
Speaking at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, he warned that today's economic challenges are affecting every region, including emerging and least-developed markets that rely heavily on international commerce. He said global debt has climbed to 324% of world GDP, leaving many low-income economies "trapped between high financing costs and shrinking fiscal space."
Erdogan noted that Türkiye's debt ratio of 89% provides it with more room to invest in structural reforms, calling on G20 members to help build a more inclusive global economy that supports investment and development for all countries.
He also expressed support for fair and equal debt-restructuring processes, particularly for economies with limited fiscal buffers.
On development financing, Erdogan raised concerns about a projected drop in global aid — down 9% in 2024 and expected to fall by as much as 17% in 2025 warning that Africa will be hardest hit. Türkiye, he said, prioritises local-resource-driven financing models for sustainable development, especially in the least-developed countries.
Türkiye's Communications Director, Burhanettin Duran, added that Ankara's policy of "not going to bed full while a neighbour is hungry" reflects its long-standing commitment to global solidarity and humanitarian responsibility.
