Turning Economic Initiatives into Practical Mechanisms

A key aspect of Uzbekistan’s approach within the OTS is its focus on strengthening economic cooperation through concrete mechanisms and projects. Currently, practical cooperation is being carried out in more than 35 areas within the Organization. Uzbekistan has also put forward the idea of creating a “Space of New Economic Opportunities” in the near future, bringing together favorable conditions for trade, business, and mutual investment, as well as the necessary legal framework and infrastructure.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has also proposed establishing a Permanent Council on Economic Partnership of the Turkic States and locating its Project Office in Tashkent. Such a mechanism could help move from discussing economic initiatives to their systematic preparation and implementation.

Another important initiative put forward by Uzbekistan is the establishment of a Turkic States Industrial Alliance. Cooperation in such sectors as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mining, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, food processing, and construction materials could enable the formation of new production chains across the OTS region. In this regard, a cooperation model based on the principle of “raw materials – processing – science and technology – finished products” is of particular importance.

For Uzbekistan, this model could, on the one hand, facilitate the integration of domestic producers into major regional value chains and, on the other, support the production of higher value-added goods and the expansion of export destinations.

Transport Connectivity as the Economic Foundation of Integration

Uzbekistan’s geographical location makes transport connectivity a strategically important area of economic integration within the OTS. As a landlocked country, the development of new transport corridors is one of the key factors determining the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s foreign trade.

In this regard, the development of the Middle Corridor and its connection with the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway currently under construction could create new economic opportunities. In the future, connecting this system with the Trans-Afghan Corridor could further strengthen Central Asia’s potential to become a major transport hub linking the markets of East Asia, South Asia, the Caucasus, Türkiye, and Europe.

New Financial Infrastructure

Deepening economic integration also requires institutions capable of financing it. In this regard, the establishment of the Turkic Investment Fund has marked a new stage in cooperation within the OTS. The Fund is focused on developing trade and economic cooperation, financing joint projects, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.

The launch of the Fund’s operational activities in 2026, along with the establishment of the OTS Council of Central Bank Governors and the Turkic Council for Green Finance, demonstrates that the financial infrastructure of a common economic space is gradually taking shape.

Uzbekistan supports efforts to combine the resources of the Turkic Investment Fund with those of other international financial institutions. In particular, it has proposed establishing strategic cooperation between the Fund and the Islamic Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as other international and national financial institutions.

Such an approach could enable the OTS to combine its own financial resources with international capital and expand opportunities for financing large-scale infrastructure, industrial, energy, and green projects.

Digital Economy – A New Frontier of Integration

The next major growth area for economic integration among the Turkic states is linked to the digital economy and artificial intelligence.

At the informal OTS summit held in Turkistan in 2026, Uzbekistan proposed establishing a strategic cooperation network in the field of artificial intelligence and developing a “Digital Turkic Corridor Concept”. The concept is aimed at interconnecting data centers across the region through high-speed communication networks, developing a unified modern digital space, and creating a new market for technology-based services.

This initiative is particularly important for Uzbekistan. The country’s geographical position in Central Asia could strengthen its future role not only as a transport hub, but also as a center for digital transit and data exchange.

Green Economy and New Markets

New sources of growth for the Turkic states are not limited to traditional industries. Renewable energy, green hydrogen and ammonia, critical minerals, organic agriculture, and environmental technologies are emerging as promising areas of cooperation.

The “Green Transformation” Consortium proposed by Uzbekistan is aimed at jointly implementing green energy projects, attracting technologies and standards, and expanding the use of public-private partnership mechanisms. In the area of critical minerals, the focus is shifting from exporting raw materials toward their deep processing and the production of higher value-added goods.

The significant agricultural potential of the OTS countries, their diverse climate zones, and proximity to major consumer markets create opportunities for establishing new cooperation chains in the production and export of organic products. In this area, Uzbekistan has proposed combining scientific research, breeding, production, and logistics capabilities and, in the future, bringing products to global markets under a common brand.

A New Stage – New Opportunities

Today, economic cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States is moving to a qualitatively new stage. Alongside increasing trade volumes, industrial cooperation, mutual investment, transport and digital connectivity, energy, and new financial mechanisms are becoming key areas of the common economic agenda.

This creates broad opportunities for making more effective use of the potential available across the OTS region and developing new sources of economic growth.

The economic foundation of this cooperation is strengthening year by year. In 2025, the total economic potential of the organization's member states exceeded $2.4 trillion, and its growth rate (6.8%) was twice as high as the global average. During this period, Uzbekistan's trade turnover with OTS countries increased by 14 percent, reaching $11 billion.

Transport indicators also confirm this trend. According to the results of the first six months of 2026, our country's export-import cargo transportation with OTS countries amounted to 8.5 million tons, accounting for about 29% of total international transportation. Of the total volume of transportation with OTS countries, 66% was carried out with Kazakhstan, 21% with Kyrgyzstan, 7% with Turkey, 5% with Turkmenistan, and 1% with Azerbaijan.

It is worth noting that on October 7, 2025, the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States was held in Gabala, Azerbaijan, under the motto "Regional Peace and Security" to further accelerate multifaceted cooperation within the Organization and strengthen the strategic partnership among member states.

Following the summit, the parties adopted the Gabala Declaration, which is aimed at expanding cooperation in the political, economic, transport and communication, energy, and security spheres. At the same time, the development of the Middle Corridor was consolidated as a strategic priority of the organization, and the "OTS+" format was introduced to expand cooperation with external partners.

In addition, a number of important events were held within the framework of the OTS in 2026. Specifically, on April 2, 2026, the second meeting of the heads of government of the organization's member states took place in Baku. During the meeting, priority attention was paid to expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation, implementing joint projects, and improving the business environment. The importance of developing industrial cooperation and transport connectivity, including the implementation of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway projects, was also noted.

On April 23, 2026, the 9th meeting of the OTS transport ministers was held in Bishkek. The successful ongoing implementation of the e-Permit project was noted at the meeting. Following the meeting, a Memorandum was signed on the introduction of the e-CMR electronic waybill system. This system enables the electronic transmission of transport documents and significantly reduces processing times at the borders.

On May 15, 2026, an informal OTS summit titled "Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development" was held in Turkistan, Kazakhstan. The Turkistan Declaration, adopted at the conclusion of the summit, outlined a number of practical tasks in the field of transport. In particular, the introduction of the e-CMR system, the full launch of the e-Permit system, the integration of national "single window" systems to simplify document flow along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), the introduction of the eTIR procedure, as well as the promotion of a unified support system among the competent authorities of member states, border services, and transport operators to resolve cargo transportation issues, were approved.

Speaking at the Turkistan Summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that, given the strategic location of the Middle Corridor, special attention will be paid to connecting it with the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the construction of which is rapidly progressing. At the summit, initiatives were put forward to develop the concept of the "Digital Turkic Corridor," which will connect data centers in the region via high-speed communication channels, as well as to establish a Turkic Alliance for Cybersecurity and the Protection of Digital Infrastructure.

At this point, it is worth highlighting the results achieved by our country in the field of digitalization. In 2021, for the first time in the world, the e-Permit system for the electronic exchange of permit forms was launched between Uzbekistan and Turkey, while in December 2022, the world's first pilot transport operation based on the eTIR system was carried out with Azerbaijan. Today, the e-Permit system has been fully implemented with all OTS member states, and as a next step, the practical introduction of the electronic waybill (e-CMR) system used in international road transport is on the agenda.

The "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" and "Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan" railway projects play a special role in the integration of the region. While one forms the shortest corridor from China to European and Middle Eastern countries, the other connects the South Asian railway system with the Central Asian and Eurasian railway systems.

In recent years, attention to the Trans-Caspian Corridor has also been growing. Over the past 5 years, the transit of Uzbekistan's cargo through the port of Baku has doubled, reaching 1.2 million tons in 2025. According to the results of January-June 2026, this figure amounted to 0.5 million tons, an increase of 2 percent compared to the same period last year.

According to forecasts, the intensive cooperation being carried out within the Organization is expected to become an important milestone towards the formation of a unified transport space among the Turkic states. Joint reforms to eliminate operational and infrastructural shortcomings, as well as agreements to connect the Middle Corridor with the "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" railway and the Trans-Afghan corridor, will serve to further strengthen the role of the OTS countries in the Eurasian transport system.

Leading Specialist of the Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Problems Under the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Sh. Akhmedov

“Türkiye-London Relations” archival exhibition

The programme opened with an archival exhibition entitled “Turkish-British Relations: From Documents to Life”, featuring newspaper headlines and diplomatic correspondence from the archive of collector Prof. Dr. Osman Kubilay Gül. The exhibition was curated by Dr Özgenur Reyhan Güler and opened at the prestigious Arundel House event venue in London.

The opening remarks for the exhibition were delivered by Mehmet Ali Dim, President of the Global Journalism Council (GJC). Dim with Prof. Dr. Osman Kubilay Gül and the exhibition was curated by Dr Özgenur Reyhan Güler

The exhibition was visited by Türkiye’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom Osman Koray Ertaş and Türkiye’s Consul General in London, Associate Professor Dr Hasan Ulusoy, together with the GJC delegation.

The programme opened with an archival exhibition entitled “Turkish-British Relations: From Documents to Life.”

The ceremony began with a minute’s silence in memory of the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, journalists who lost their lives while on duty, and those who died serving their country, followed by the Turkish national anthem.

Opening speeches by Vatan Öz and Mehmet Ali Dim

The opening speech was delivered by Vatan Öz, GJC United Kingdom representative and owner of Avrupa Media Group, who was responsible for the London leg of the organisation.

Öz said the event brought together people from different countries and cultures around journalism, hard work and friendship.

GJC President Mehmet Ali Dim highlighted the importance of global media solidarity and thanked the organisations and institutions that supported the London event.

Dim said:

“I would like to thank, first and foremost, our United Kingdom representative Vatan Öz, as well as the institutions and organisations that provided sponsorship and support for our London event, including the world-renowned Pentex Ltd'in London, Konya Metropolitan Municipality, Keçiören Municipality and Sarıçam Municipality, Alanya Tourism Promotion Foundation (ALTAV), Alanya Touristic Hoteliers Association (ALTİD), Eftelia Hotels, EsteWorld UK London and MUSIAD UK, Kervan Restaurant Group London, Ishtar Restaurant Group London, Southgate Hotel London, UVA Cantina Restaurant London and Cafer Erol London.”

During the protocol speeches, Türkiye’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom Osman Koray Ertaş, Keçiören Mayor Dr Mesut Özarslan and Sarıçam Mayor Bilal Uludağ addressed the ceremony.

Sarıçam Mayor Bilal Uludağ addressed the ceremony.

A promotional film prepared by the Alanya Tourism Promotion Foundation was screened, while Turkish and English-language Alanya promotional brochures were distributed to participants. Nazmi Uyar, Director of International Relations at Alanya Municipality, also attended the event.

20 awards in three categories

The awards ceremony was organised under three main sections: Journalism Awards, Global Awards and Certificates of Appreciation.

Pentex’s Special Diaspora Award was presented to Vatan Öz

Journalism Award presented to Deborah Fields. Deborah Fields of Hello UK Magazine receives the Journalism Award from Savaş Çokduygulu, Deputy President of the Global Journalists Council (GJC).

JOURNALISM AWARDS — 10 awards

1. Behlül Çetinkaya — Anadolu Agency London Correspondent
2. Ayten Abbaslı — Azerbaijan State News Agency AZERTAC London Correspondent
3. Arda Sayıner — Hürriyet columnist
   (The award was collected on his behalf by Oğulcan Uygun.)
4. Janos Oliver — Luxury Report Magazine
5. Deborah Field — Hello UK Magazine
6. Yunus Dalgıç — İhlas News Agency correspondent and FAM2 coordinator
7. Sevgin Alişoğlu — Kanal D / London Aktüel programme
8. Olga Ivshina — BBC London Russian Service
9. Duygu Tağmaç — Cyprus Genç TV London Representative
10. Ahmet Elnaoq — Palestinian journalist and war veteran living in London

DIASPORA MEDIA AWARDS — 3 awards

11. Yeşim Özyiğit — Londra Gazetesi
12. Vatan Öz — Avrupa Gazetesi and AVA European News Agency
13. Mohamed Ali Harrath — Islam Channel London

The award presented to Vatan Öz was presented by renowned journalist Yavuz Donat.

RECOGNITION AWARDS — 3 awards

14. Mert Ahmet — Producer of the documentaries The Hidden Story of Sport in the TRNC and A Turkish Cypriot Story
15. Azim Köse — Director of Turks in Britain
16. Seda Aslan Yılmaz — Director of Timeless PR & Digital Marketing

FRIENDSHIP AWARD

17. Deborah Bonetti — Director of the Foreign Press Association (FPA), the Foreign Press Association in the UK

The award was presented by Vatan Öz, GJC Deputy President for Foreign Media.

GLOBAL AWARDS

18. Global Service Award: Dr Mesut Özarslan — Mayor of Keçiören
    The award was presented by Baroness Meral Hussein Ece.
19. Global Friendship Award: Bilal Uludağ — Mayor of Sarıçam
    The award was presented by Baroness Meral Hussein Ece.

FRIENDSHIP AWARD

20. Celine Assaf — Editor at The Independent, the British newspaper

The award was presented by Vatan Öz, GJC Deputy President for Foreign Media.

Certificates of Appreciation

Certificates of appreciation were also presented to institutions and individuals who supported the organisation.

Those receiving certificates included:

• Osman Koray Ertaş — Ambassador of Türkiye to the United Kingdom
• Aysan Mullahasan Atılgan — Ambassador of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to London
• Elin Süleymanov — Ambassador of Azerbaijan to London (collected on his behalf by First Secretary Eltay Aslanov)
• Associate Professor Dr Hasan Ulusoy — Consul General of Türkiye in London
• Baroness Meral Hussein Ece
• Afzal Khan — Former minister and Member of Parliament for Manchester (collected on his behalf by Mehmet Nezir Korkut)
• Türkan Akbaş — President of MUSIAD UK
• Aygül Peker — Director of EsteWorld UK London
• Enes Şanlı — Director of Lux&Lush
• İrfan Davulcular — President of the Turkish Community Football Federation (TTFF)

The ceremony concluded with a group photograph involving the award recipients and presenters, followed by closing remarks.

The closing message expressed the hope that the participants would meet again at future gatherings “where the light of journalism never fades, hard work is always valued, and friendship continues to bring us together across borders.”

GJC delegation

The GJC delegation included Keçiören Mayor Dr Mesut Özarslan, Sarıçam Mayor Bilal Uludağ, Alanya Municipality Director of International Relations Nazmi Uyar, and guest of honour, veteran journalist and writer Yavuz Donat.

The delegation also included Anadolu Agency Deputy General Manager Oğuz Karakaş, GJC President Mehmet Ali Dim, Deputy President Nevzat Çiçek (Independent Türkçe), deputy presidents Savaş Çokduygulu (5 Ocak), Nalan Yazgan (Cumhuriyet) and Edip Üzen (memurlar.net).

GJC Secretary General Lütfü Karakaş (Son Haber), Deputy Treasurer Hayati Arıgan (Dünya), Assembly presidents Özgenur Reyhan Güler (TV 24 – National Media) and İshad Eyvazlı (Media Türk – Foreign Media), board member Yunus Soner (TeleSUR TV), Deputy Assembly President Ahmet Coşkunaydın (Aydınlık), Assembly member Nurcan Demirtaş (Hürriyet), GJC Austria Representative Adil Elmas (Avusturya Günlüğü) and GJC Slovakia Representative Kemal Değirmenci were also part of the delegation.

The delegation returned to Türkiye on 2 October following the exhibition and awards ceremony held on 1 October.

Journalism Award winner Behlül Çetinkaya, Anadolu Agency London Correspondent, received the award from Mohamed Ali Harrath of Islam Channel London

Friendship Award winner Deborah Bonetti, Director of the Foreign Press Association (FPA) in the UK, received the award from the Global Journalism Council and its UK Representative Vatan Öz

Journalism Award winner Ayten Abbaslı, London Correspondent for the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), received the award from Mr Eltay Aslanov, First Secretary at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in London

Türkiye’s Consul General in London, Associate Professor Dr Hasan Ulusoy

The Certificates of Appreciation award was collected on behalf of Afzal Khan, former minister and Labour Member of Parliament for Manchester, by Mehmet Nezir Korkut, MÜSİAD Manchester Representative.

The Certificate of Appreciation awarded to Aygül Peker, Director of Esteworld UK, was received on her behalf by Güzel Öz, Editor of Avrupa Times, from Savaş Çokduygulu, GJC Deputy President.

Certificate of Appreciation awarded to Türkan Akbaş, President of MÜSİAD UK, by Nazmi Uyar, Director of Foreign Relations at Alanya Municipality.

GJC Board Members Yavuz Donat, Nalan Yazgan and Savaş Çokduygulu.

The delegation was welcomed at their hotel by Vatan Öz, GJC United Kingdom Representative, before travelling to Kervan Southgate, one of London’s well-known restaurants, for a friendship dinner hosted by Avrupa Media Group.

The dinner, hosted by Vatan Öz, brought members of the GJC delegation together ahead of their London programme. The journalists exchanged views and held informal discussions before the evening programme concluded.

London programme on 30 September

The second day of the GJC delegation’s London programme includes a reception hosted by Turkish Ambassador to the United Kingdom Osman Koray Ertaş in honour of the delegation.

Following the reception, the delegation will meet representatives of the Turkish diaspora in London, Turkish-origin parliamentarians and members of the media. The programme will also include visits to historic and tourist areas of the capital, with stops planned in Knightsbridge and Covent Garden.

Awards ceremony and exhibition on 1 October

The main event of the London programme will be the 2nd International Media Friendship Awards, to be held at Arundel House on Thursday, 1 October 2026, from 10.00am to 1.00pm.

The programme will begin with the “Turkey–London Relations” archival exhibition and conclude with an awards ceremony highlighting cultural diplomacy initiatives and media engagement between Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

The inaugural International Media Friendship Awards were held at the Turkish House in New York in September 2025. The London event will be the second edition of the initiative.

The delegation will return to Türkiye on 2 October following the exhibition and awards ceremony.

30-member delegation

The GJC delegation includes Keçiören Mayor Dr Mesut Özarslan, Sarıçam Mayor Bilal Uludağ, Alanya Municipality Foreign Relations Director Nazmi Uyar and veteran journalist and writer Yavuz Donat as an honorary guest.

The delegation also includes Anadolu Agency Deputy General Manager Oğuz Karakaş; GJC President Mehmet Ali Dim; Vice President Nevzat Çiçek of Independent Türkçe; Vice Presidents Savaş Çokduygulu of 5 Ocak, Nalan Yazgan of Cumhuriyet and Edip Üzen of memurlar.net.

Also attending are GJC Secretary General Lütfü Karakaş of Son Haber; Deputy Financial President Hayati Arıgan of Dünya; Assembly Chairs Özgenur Reyhan Güler of TV 24 – National Media and İshad Eyvazlı of Media Türk – Foreign Media; board member Yunus Soner of TeleSUR TV; Deputy Assembly Chair Ahmet Coşkunaydın of Aydınlık; Assembly member Nurcan Demirtaş of Hürriyet; GJC Austria Representative Adil Elmas of Avusturya Günlüğü; and GJC Slovakia Representative Kemal Değirmenci.

DIM: “Our aim is to serve our country”

GJC President Mehmet Ali Dim said the London event was intended to support public diplomacy and strengthen relations between Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

“Within the Global Journalists Council, we see this important gathering in London not merely as an awards ceremony or exhibition, but as a public diplomacy initiative that strengthens the communication and friendship bridges between Türkiye and the United Kingdom,” Dim said.

“As part of our event, we will present awards to Turkish diaspora journalists working in London and different parts of the United Kingdom, as well as British journalists who have contributed to Türkiye, the Turkish community and relations between the two countries. Through these awards, we want to draw attention to the contribution of journalism to developing mutual understanding between societies, reducing prejudices and strengthening friendships.”

Thanks to supporters

Dim also thanked the institutions and organisations that contributed to the London event.

“I would like to thank all those who have contributed their efforts and support to our London event, particularly our United Kingdom Representative Vatan Öz. I also extend my thanks to the institutions and organisations providing sponsorship support, including world-renowned Pentex of London, Konya Metropolitan Municipality, Keçiören Municipality and Sarıçam Municipality; Alanya Tourism Promotion Foundation (ALTAV), Alanya Tourism Operators Association (ALTİD), Eftelia Hotels, EsteWorld UK in London and MUSIAD UK; the London Kervan Restaurant Group, the London Ishtar Restaurant Group, Southgate Hotel London, UVA Cantina London, Cafer Erol London, and Enes Şanlı of Wickford Lux&Lush.”

GJC's international media activities

The Global Journalists Council, which has representatives in 88 countries and all 81 provinces of Türkiye, organises media meetings, panels and workshops internationally.

The GJC has previously held media events in Nicosia, Baku, Berlin, Tbilisi, Moscow and Tashkent. Last year, it organised an exhibition and awards ceremony in New York, United States.

The 2nd International Media Friendship Awards and the “Turkey–London Relations” archival exhibition in London will form part of the GJC’s programme of international events.

Gürkan Sefer, Chairman of Enfield Atatürk School in North London, presented a certificate of appreciation to Vatan Öz, Editor of Avrupa Media Group, in recognition of the newspaper’s contribution to promoting Turkish education and supporting the work of Turkish schools.

Recognition for 30 years in journalism and 25 years in publishing

Vatan Öz, who has worked as a journalist in London for three decades and has published Avrupa Gazetesi since 2002, has consistently used his media platforms to highlight the work of Turkish schools, volunteer teachers and educational organisations serving the Turkish community.

Through Avrupa Gazetesi and Avrupa Media Group, Öz has made particular efforts to raise awareness of Turkish-language education and the importance of passing on the Turkish language, culture and traditions to younger generations.

The award symbolises the shared commitment of those who teach Turkish and those who promote and support the language through journalism and community media.

Öz accepted the meaningful recognition on behalf of Avrupa Gazetesi’s readers and followers.

“Supporting those who keep our language alive”

Vatan Öz thanked Gürkan Sefer and the dedicated educational volunteers at Enfield Atatürk School for teaching children their mother tongue and keeping Turkish culture, traditions and customs alive.

He emphasised the importance of supporting Turkish schools and ensuring that future generations maintain a strong connection with their linguistic and cultural heritage.

A message to parents across the UK

Avrupa Gazetesi also called on Turkish parents across the UK to enrol their children in weekend Turkish schools.

Learning Turkish can strengthen children's cultural identity while also providing opportunities to gain formal qualifications, including GCSE Turkish, which may contribute to their academic development and university applications.

The award recognises the importance of cooperation between Turkish schools, teachers, parents and community media in preserving the Turkish language for generations to come.

Musa is now training to complete a 400kg (881lbs) sled pull every day for 30 consecutive days, with no rest days

The Turkish Cypriot athlete says his aim is to push the limits of human strength and demonstrate what Turkish Cypriot athletes are capable of achieving. He also says the continued support he receives from the UK Turkish Cypriot community remains a major source of motivation.

New challenge attracts attention

Musa’s new 400kg challenge has already attracted coverage from T-VINE Magazine, which reported on his plans following his world-record achievement.

Could it become another world record?

Musa’s latest challenge also raises the question of whether his 400kg, 30-day feat could lead to another world record.As a Turkish Cypriot athlete, Musa says it would be a great honour to represent the Turkish Cypriot community once again and showcase another remarkable feat of strength.Following Avrupa Gazete’s coverage of his previous 90-day world record, Musa has expressed his hope that the newspaper will also follow and report on the next stage of his journey.The 400kg sled-pull challenge will put Musa’s strength, endurance and mental resilience to another demanding test as he works towards completing the challenge over 30 consecutive days.

Having previously organized media gatherings, panels and workshops in Nicosia, Baku, Berlin, Tbilisi, Moscow and Tashkent, and an exhibition and awards ceremony in New York City last year, Global Journalism Council is adding another international event to its portfolio with an exhibition and awards ceremony to be held in London, the capital of the United Kingdom.

DOCUMENTARY EXHIBITION

On October 1, the prestigious Arundel House in London will host the opening of the exhibition titled “Turkish-British Relations Through Documents and Life,” curated by Dr. Özgenur Reyhan Güler. The exhibition will feature newspaper headlines and diplomatic correspondence compiled from the archive of collector Prof. Dr. Osman Kubilay Gül.

AWARDS CEREMONY

Following the exhibition, the GJC 2nd International Friendship Awards Ceremony will take place in the same venue.

Turkish journalists working in London, as well as British journalists who have demonstrated friendship towards Türkiye, will receive awards in various categories. In addition, awards and plaques of appreciation will be presented to statesmen, representatives of civil society organizations who have contributed to Turkish-British friendship, as well as individuals and institutions supporting the Council’s event.

FOUR DAYS IN LONDON

The event will coordinated by GJC United Kingdom Representative Vatan Öz.

The GJC delegation will travel to London on Tuesday, September 29. On September 30, the delegation will attend a reception hosted in their honor by Ambassador O. Koray Ertaş at the Turkish Embassy in London.

On the same day, the delegation will meet with representatives of the Turkish diaspora in London, Turkish-origin parliamentarians and members of the media. The delegation will also visit London’s historical and tourist attractions.

Following the exhibition and awards ceremony on October 1, the delegation will return to Türkiye on October 2.

30-MEMBER DELEGATION

The GJC delegation, which will depart from Istanbul for London on September 29, consists of approximately 30 people.

The delegation will include Ersin Tatar, the 5th President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), as an honorary guest, as well as Ankara Keçiören Mayor Dr. Mesut Özarslan, Adana Sarıçam Mayor Bilal Uludağ, Alanya Municipality Foreign Relations Director Nazmi Uyar, veteran journalist and author Yavuz Donat, and Anadolu Agency Deputy General Manager Oğuz Karakaş.

The delegation will also include GJC President Mehmet Ali Dim; Vice President Nevzat Çiçek (Independent Türkçe); Vice Presidents Savaş Çokduygulu (5 Ocak), Nalan Yazgan (Cumhuriyet) and Edip Üzen (memurlar.net); Secretary General Lütfü Karakaş (Son Haber); Deputy Treasurer Hayati Arıgan (Dünya); Assembly Chairs Özgenur Reyhan Güler of TV 24 (National Media) and İlşad Eyvazlı of Media Türk (International Media); Board Member Yunus Soner (TeleSur TV); Deputy Assembly Chair Ahmet Coşkunaydın (Aydınlık); Assembly Member Nurcan Demirtaş (Hürriyet); GJC Austria Representative Adil Elmas (Avusturya Günlüğü); and GJC Slovakia Representative Kemal Değirmenci.

DIM: “OUR AIM IS TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY”

GJC President Mehmet Ali Dim, speaking about the event to be held in London, stated that one of the Council’s most important missions is to support public diplomacy and said:

“As the Global Journalism Council, we see this important gathering in London not merely as an awards ceremony or exhibition, but as a public diplomacy initiative that strengthens the communication and friendship bridges between Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

As part of our event, we will present awards to Turkish diaspora journalists working in London and different parts of the United Kingdom, as well as British journalists who have contributed to Türkiye, the Turkish community and relations between the two countries. Through these awards, we aim to highlight the contribution of journalism to developing mutual understanding between societies, reducing prejudices and strengthening friendships.

At the exhibition we will open on the same day, we will showcase notable newspaper headlines published in Türkiye concerning the United Kingdom over the years, along with documents reflecting the historical memory of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In this way, we will bring the historical journey of Turkish-British relations, from the perspectives of both media and diplomacy, to visitors.

Today, media is one of the most powerful instruments of public diplomacy. Journalists have an important responsibility in helping countries understand one another correctly, enabling societies to better understand each other and addressing misconceptions. As the Global Journalism Council, we regard journalism in our international activities not merely as the production of news, but as a powerful platform for communication and dialogue between countries and societies.

The main purpose of our gathering in London is to contribute, through the media, to Türkiye’s international visibility, to presenting Türkiye accurately to the international community, and to our country’s public diplomacy efforts. At the same time, we attach great importance to establishing a stronger, more visible and more effective media communication network in countries where the Turkish diaspora is present.

As journalists, we cannot claim to solve the problems between countries on our own. However, we can contribute to a better understanding of one another, to societies becoming more familiar with each other, and to bringing people together around common values.

We believe that the exhibition and awards ceremony we will hold in London will add new value to the media dimension of the longstanding relations between Türkiye and the United Kingdom and contribute to the development of friendship between the peoples of the two countries.”

THANKS TO THE SUPPORTERS

Dim also expressed his gratitude to those who contributed to and supported the London event, saying:

“I would like to thank, first and foremost, our United Kingdom Representative Vatan Öz, as well as the institutions and organizations providing sponsorship support, particularly Konya Metropolitan Municipality, Keçiören Municipality and Sarıçam Municipality, along with the Alanya Tourism Promotion Foundation (ALTAV), Alanya Tourism Operators Association (ALTİD), Eftelia Hotels, EsteWorld and MUSIAD London.”

It comes as the Prime Minister travels to New York today to attend the UN General Assembly and hold his first meeting with the President of the United States, Donald Trump.

Major global challenges such as AI, the conflict in Ukraine and security in the Middle East are expected to dominate the agenda of the Prime Minister’s meetings in New York over the next 24 hours, as world leaders converge on the city.

The Prime Minister is expected to use the visit to drive forward global work on AI, both to ensure it is being used as a force for good and to maximise opportunities to use the technology to deliver safety and security for people at home.

His speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday evening is expected to focus on AI, making the case for the international community to harness the technology for good to drive down the cost of living and support a more stable and secure world.

As part of using AI responsibly to support people at home, the Prime Minister will announce the launch of work between the UK and US on a new AI and Autonomy partnership. This collaboration will help the UK protect critical national infrastructure, from sea lanes to air space – enabling us to detect threats and deter our adversaries using the latest AI technology developed on both sides of the Atlantic.

It will see the UK’s Ministry of Defence Rapid AI Delivery Taskforce and the US’s Department of War Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office work together on artificial intelligence and autonomy, accelerating the delivery of trusted, interoperable capabilities that enhance deterrence and both countries’ technological edge.

This will build on the next generation technology already being developed through AUKUS, the landmark partnership bringing together the US, UK, and Australia to produce a new fleet of cutting-edge attack submarines and undersea autonomous capabilities to deter adversaries long into the future.

As part of the AUKUS programme, the UK and US successfully conducted a historic live firing of a heavyweight torpedo - jointly developed by the US and Australia - designed to sink ships and deep diving submarines launched from a 12-metre-long undersea Plymouth-made drone named Excalibur.

The firing, which happened in UK waters last week, was the first time either country had launched a torpedo from an undersea uncrewed vessel, rather than a crewed submarine. This marks a major advance in the future of submarine technology for the UK, US, and Australia, and delivers a significant breakthrough for Euro-Atlantic security and NATO’s undersea advantage.

The Soho Hotel's private screening room, a fixture of the London film industry and a venue long associated with British premieres, provided the setting for a full house drawn from diplomacy, media, local government and the Turkish Cypriot population in the United Kingdom.

The evening was attended by Her Excellency Aysan Mullahasan Atılgan, Ambassador of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and His Excellency Professor Doctor Hasan Ulusoy, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye, alongside members of the international press, British councillors, and representatives of Turkish Cypriot organisations.

Among those present were Alp Mehmet, the former British Ambassador to Iceland, and Professor Mustafa Bilgin Ali Djamgoz, Professor of Cancer Biology at Imperial College London and Chairman of the College of Medicine's Science Council.

The screening was followed by a Q&A with the film's producer and presenter.

Introducing the evening, presenter Mert Ahmet said the team had returned to the drawing board after the success of their previous documentary, Offside: The Untold Story of Sports in the TRNC, which received coverage on TRT World and was distributed on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

"We came to the conclusion that before we continue highlighting North Cyprus and Turkish Cypriots to the world, we have to talk about the past, the history, and the sacrifices made for us to be here today."

Producer Eren Ramadan set out why the film was made:

"The story of Cyprus, as it is told in this country and across Europe, is almost always told from one side. It begins in 1974, as though nothing happened before it, as though the island woke up one morning and everything changed. Turkish Cypriots were displaced years before that. Decades even. From their villages, their homes, and forced into enclaves. That part of the story has never really reached a global audience."

"Displaced is unapologetically the Turkish Cypriot side of the story. Far too many documentaries on Cyprus tell only one narrative, or include us as a footnote - a paragraph near the end, a line of balance and a box ticked. That is not what this is. This is plainly and simply the Turkish Cypriot story, told by Turkish Cypriots, without apology and without asking for anyone's permission."

He noted that the film has passed 42,000 views on YouTube in its first month, with hundreds of thousands more across social media, and described the project as a personal one: his own uncle, Vedat Esendağ, appears in the film, as do Mert Ahmet's grandfather, Kemal Ahmet, and Ambassador Atılgan's uncle, Taner Çuvalcıoğlu.

"These are our families, our stories, and I think that's why it carries the weight it does."

Both speakers thanked the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign for its support. "Turkish Cypriots have spent fifty years being talked about rather than being heard," Ramadan said.

Guests were invited to use a QR code provided at the venue, linking to a pre-written letter to their local Member of Parliament on the continuing isolation of Turkish Cypriots.

About the film

DISPLACED: A Turkish Cypriot Story is told entirely through the first-hand testimony of those who lived it, tracing the experiences of the Turkish Cypriot people across three of the most turbulent decades in the island's history — from the 1950s, through the 1960s, and up to 1974 and its aftermath. It follows a thread of displacement, loss and endurance: of homes abandoned, villages burned, and livelihoods destroyed.

The documentary moves through the years of EOKA, the events of Bloody Christmas in December 1963, the Larnaca Missing Bus, the siege of Erenköy, and the attacks on Turkish Cypriot villages, before reaching 1974 and the massacres at Taşkent and at Muratağa, Sandallar and Atlılar, and closing on the population exchange agreement of 1975 that reshaped the island into the one we know today.

The film is supported by the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign and is available free to watch on the campaign's YouTube channel.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/S0JfaaN6duQ

Labour MPs Bambos Charalambous, Feryal Clark and David Lammy have taken serious concerns about the assessment of settlement applications under the Turkish Businessperson route to the Home Office.

In a joint letter to Home Secretary Jo White, the three MPs said applicants under the Turkish Businessperson Visa route were facing lengthy delays, administrative errors and an increasingly rigid approach to decision-making.

The MPs noted that, following Brexit, the Ankara Agreement route was closed to new applications. However, Turkish nationals who came to the UK under the scheme before Brexit continue to have rights to extend their visas and apply for settlement after five years of continuous residence, subject to the applicable requirements.

“The way applications are being assessed has changed”

The MPs said in their letter that they had received complaints from a large number of Turkish businesspeople living in their constituencies about applications made under the Ankara Agreement.

According to information received from lawyers and applicants, technical issues or minor inconsistencies in documents are increasingly being used as grounds for refusal, rather than focusing on whether businesses are genuine and actively trading.

The MPs said simple errors on business invoices and similar technical issues were increasingly being cited as reasons for refusal, adding that this had created a strong perception among applicants that “the rules are being unfairly changed”.

Home Office errors raised

The joint letter also referred to several specific cases in which Home Office officials were believed to have made mistakes.

In one case, an applicant who attended an in-person Home Office appointment during the same week was reportedly incorrectly recorded as having left the UK.

In another case, an application was refused because officials allegedly miscalculated the number of days the applicant had spent outside the country.

The MPs stressed that such errors were causing lengthy delays, significant uncertainty and additional administrative burdens for applicants and their businesses. The letter also stated that some incorrect refusals had been successfully challenged following intervention by MPs.

Hundreds have been waiting for more than six months

According to the letter, hundreds of applicants have been waiting for more than six months for their settlement applications to be decided.

Those whose lawful status continues under Section 3C of the Immigration Act while their applications are being considered are also facing significant practical difficulties. They may be unable to travel abroad, face difficulties securing new business premises and lack the certainty needed to make long-term investment decisions.

The MPs warned that this uncertainty could weaken businesses and potentially put applicants’ ability to secure settlement at risk.

The letter said delays in the decision-making process could negatively affect a business, while the resulting weakness in the business could subsequently be used against the applicant, creating a “vicious cycle”.

Concerns over the treatment of the Turkish business community

The three MPs also expressed concern that some people whose settlement applications had been unfairly refused may not have sought help from their MP or been able to challenge the decision.

The letter warned that the Home Office’s current approach was creating an “atmosphere of hostility” towards the Turkish business community in the UK.

The MPs wrote:

“We are equally concerned that Home Office staff may not understand the Ankara Agreement sufficiently, or that they may have been instructed to assess applications against a different standard. We have not been informed of any such change and we do not support it.”

Bambos Charalambous, Feryal Clark and David Lammy have asked Home Secretary Jo White for a meeting to discuss the problems and find solutions for affected applicants.

The Ankara Agreement after Brexit

Signed in 1963, the Ankara Agreement was intended to strengthen economic relations between Turkey and the European Economic Community.

Under the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA), Turkish nationals were able to establish businesses in the UK under specific provisions and, after completing the required period of lawful residence, apply for settlement.

Following Brexit, the route was closed to new applications. However, transitional arrangements continue to apply to people who came to the UK under the Ankara Agreement before the system was closed.

The joint initiative by the three MPs increases pressure on the Home Office to clarify whether its approach to settlement applications under the Ankara Agreement has changed.

The MPs are also calling for action to ensure that Turkish entrepreneurs who have built businesses and new lives in Britain over many years are not unfairly disadvantaged by administrative errors and lengthy delays.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald met in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, on September 14.

Following the meeting, the leaders signed the Cardiff Declaration, calling on the UK central government in London to prepare for, plan and facilitate a process of constitutional change.

Criticism of the Westminster system

The declaration criticised the current Westminster-centred system of government and said the nations within the United Kingdom should have a greater say over their political futures.

The leaders argued that no government in London should prevent people from exercising their democratic right to determine their own future.

The simultaneous presence of nationalist parties in government in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland was described as providing a new basis for political cooperation.

Cooperation on the economy and energy

Economic policy was also addressed in the declaration. The leaders criticised the economic approach pursued by Whitehall and called for measures to support economic growth.

They said joint projects would focus on developing renewable energy resources and making more effective use of the energy potential of the three nations.

Message on the European Union

The declaration also included calls for closer relations with the European Union following the UK's withdrawal from the bloc.

The text stated that “the future of our nations lies in the European Union.” The leaders expressed a shared intention to work towards reducing the long-term impact of Brexit and strengthening ties with Europe.

Different constitutional goals

The declaration acknowledged that the constitutional objectives of the participating political movements are different.

The SNP and Plaid Cymru support independence for Scotland and Wales, respectively, while Sinn Féin supports Irish reunification.

Despite these differences, the declaration said each nation’s right to determine its own constitutional future and pursue its political process according to its own timetable should be respected.

Emphasis on “equal partners”

In their joint statement, the leaders called for the nations to work together as “equal partners” in the future.

They called for greater cooperation in political and economic affairs, including the sharing of expertise and ideas and the development of relationships based on mutual respect and common interests.

The Cardiff declaration is expected to strengthen coordination among nationalist parties at a time when debates over Scottish and Welsh independence, as well as Northern Ireland’s constitutional future, remain ongoing.

The inspection found that Enfield’s arrangements for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) typically lead to positive experiences and outcomes, which is the highest outcome available under the inspection framework.

Inspectors recognised the strength of partnership working across education, health and social care, highlighting a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

The report praised the partnership’s clear and ambitious vision, strong multi-agency working, effective leadership and meaningful engagement with children, young people, parents and carers. Importantly, it also noted that children and young people with SEND in Enfield are valued members of their community and are supported to help shape services and support available to them.

Key strengths identified by inspectors include well-established governance and accountability, early identification of needs, effective support for children in the early years, strong person-centred care for children with complex medical needs, and support for young people with education, health and care plans as they prepare for adulthood.

Councillor Chris Dey, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “This is a significant achievement for the entire partnership and reflects years of dedication, collaboration and determination to improve the experiences and outcomes of children, young people and their families.

“We know how important it is that children and young people with SEND receive the right support at the right time, and this report recognises the strong foundations we have built across Enfield.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners, families and young people to build on these strengths and to address the areas where further improvement is needed.”

The inspection found that children and young people with SEND and their families typically have positive experiences in Enfield, supported by leaders and practitioners who work together across services. The report noted examples of effective support across the system, including Family Hubs providing accessible help for parents and carers of young children, therapy services offering screening and practical advice, and joint clinics helping families avoid multiple appointments and the need to repeat their story.

Tony Theodoulou, Executive Director of People at Enfield Council, said: “This outcome is a testament to the commitment, professionalism and dedication of colleagues across every part of the partnership.

“We have worked hard with the local parent/carer forum, Our Voice, to build a system that places children, young people and families at its heart, and it is encouraging to see that recognised by inspectors.

“I am particularly grateful to the children, young people and parent carers who shared their experiences during the inspection. Their voices have been central to the progress we have made and will continue to shape our priorities as we strive to deliver even better outcomes in the future.”

The partnership will now carefully consider the findings of the report and update its strategic plan in response to the recommendations made by Ofsted and the CQC.

Enfield Council remains committed to working with partners across education, health and social care to ensure children and young people with SEND are supported to thrive, achieve positive outcomes and play an active role in shaping the services that affect them.

Burke secured first place ahead of Louis Jean, who finished runner-up with 39 points, while Tom Cox took third place with 38 points.

In the Best Gross Score category, Louis Jean recorded a score of 72 (E).

The tournament also featured the Nearest to the Pin competitions. Theresa Feeney won the Ladies’ Nearest to the Pin award, while Gareth Llewellyr was the Men’s Nearest to the Pin winner.

Burke secured first place ahead of Louis Jean, who finished runner-up with 39 points, while Tom Cox took third place with 38 points.

Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup – Results

Winner: Sam Burke — 40 points
2nd Place: Louis Jean — 39 points
3rd Place: Tom Cox — 38 points
Best Gross Score: Louis Jean — 72 (E)
Nearest to the Pin – Ladies: Theresa Feeney
Nearest to the Pin – Men: Gareth Llewellyr

Organisers congratulated all the prize winners and thanked everyone who took part in the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, wishing participants a safe journey home.

Mehmet Gürulkan, General Manager of Turkish Airlines London, delivers the opening speech and congratulates all the winners at the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup at The Grove Golf Course in Watford. Gürulkan reminded attendees that five million of Europe’s 10 million golfers live in the UK, adding that Türkiye is one of the most important markets for golf tourism from the UK.

Gürulkan said the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup was established in 2013 by Türkiye’s national flag carrier as part of its commitment to sport and golf, which also includes support for the Turkish Airlines Open on the European Tour and the Turkish Airlines Challenge Tour.
He added that the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, played on world-class golf courses, has become one of the most popular events on the golfing calendar.

The tournament was also attended by former England striker Les Ferdinand, who took part as a golfer.

Mehmet Gürulkan, General Manager of Turkish Airlines London, Serhat Gök, Manager of Turkish Airlines Manchester, and Ahmet Demir, UK Director of Hafız Mustafa 1864, at the Hafız Mustafa 1864 stand during the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup at The Grove Golf Course in Watford.

The event also featured a strong presence from leading Turkish brands. Hafız Mustafa 1864, Karaca Home and Atelier Rebul each had stands at the golf course, where they presented gifts to golfers participating in the tournament.

Cengizhan Karaduman, Managing Director of Ant Yapı UK, with Abdullah Hazar, Co-Founder of Par5 Escapes, in front of the Turkish brand Atelier Rebul stand at the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup.

Ferdinand also gave an interview to Avrupa Times Editor Vatan Oz, reflecting on his unforgettable spell at Beşiktaş and revealing why his time in Istanbul remains so special.

Leman Selammet, The Landmark London Commercial Director, Ahmet Demir, Hafız Mustafa 1864 UK Director, Arda Sayıner, Brand Consultant for Hafız Mustafa 1864 with Tugce Durak, Director of Table of Friends and Influencer also attended the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup tournament

The Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup is an international amateur golf tournament series organised by Turkish Airlines, bringing together golfers, business leaders and distinguished guests at prestigious golf courses around the world.

Speaking exclusively to Avrupa Ajansı and Avrupa Gazetesi editor Vatan Oz during the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup at The Grove Hotel near Watford, Ferdinand reflected on his unforgettable season in Turkey and his enduring affection for the Turkish club.

Ferdinand joined Beşiktaş from Queens Park Rangers for the 1988-89 season, becoming one of the first English players to make the move to Turkish football. He went on to score 14 goals in 24 appearances and helped the Istanbul club win the Turkish Cup.

“Beşiktaş made me who I am”

Ferdinand was just 21 when he left London for Istanbul, a move he says had a profound impact on his career.

“I was 21 years old. I came to Istanbul on my own from London. Gordon Milne wanted me at Beşiktaş when I was at QPR. It was the first time I had ever left home,” Ferdinand said.

“That season made me both a footballer and a man. Without Beşiktaş, I don't think I would have gone on to score 149 goals in the Premier League.”

Arda Sayıner, brand consultant for Hafız Mustafa 1864, with famous English footballer Les Ferdinand at the Turkish Airlines Golf Tournament.

“There were 35,000 people at my first training session”

Ferdinand also recalled the extraordinary atmosphere surrounding Beşiktaş, particularly his first training session at the club's former home, İnönü Stadium.

“As I got closer to the stadium, I could hear this incredible noise. I went inside and there were 35,000 people watching the first training session,” he recalled.

“I had seen the ‘Welcome to Hell’ signs, but the love I received was something else. One side of the supporters would shout ‘Black’ and the other would answer ‘White’. The noise was incredible.”

Ahmet Halit Demir, the director of Hafız Mustafa 1864, offered some of the treats to famous English footballer Les Ferdinand.

“I miss Ortaköy and Dolmabahçe”

Ferdinand said his affection for Istanbul extends beyond football, recalling the warmth of the Turkish people and some of his favourite places in the city.

“The Turkish people made me feel at home. I miss walking around Ortaköy and looking out over the Bosphorus from Dolmabahçe. Beşiktaş supporters are among the most passionate fans in the world.”

Ferdinand has previously spoken about the importance of his time in Istanbul. In an interview with Tottenham Hotspur's official website, he described his season at Beşiktaş as a crucial period in his development as a footballer and as a person.

“The greatest is Beşiktaş”

During the conversation, Ferdinand made his feelings for the club clear, proudly saying in Turkish:

“En Büyük Beşiktaş!” — “Beşiktaş is the greatest!”

Ferdinand went on to enjoy a distinguished career in English football, representing clubs including Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The former striker also enjoyed some Turkish hospitality during the golf tournament, sampling baklava and Turkish delight at the Hafız Mustafa stand.

The meeting provided an opportunity for Ferdinand to look back on a brief but highly influential chapter of his career — one that clearly remains close to his heart.

Ahmet Halit Demir, the director of Hafız Mustafa 1864, took a selfie with famous English footballer Les Ferdinand.

For Turkish please click

Speaking exclusively to Avrupa Ajansı and Avrupa Gazetesi editor Vatan Oz during the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup at The Grove Hotel near Watford, Ferdinand reflected on his unforgettable season in Turkey and his enduring affection for the Turkish club.

The event, organised by the Japan Tourism and Gastronomy Cultural Exchange Association and the Asian Chefs Association, was represented by Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Germany, Indonesia, Türkiye, England, Singapore, Vietnam and Finland.

Various competition categories were held, including traditional Japanese wagashi sweets, pastry, Chinese cuisine, coffee, professional cocktail preparation and different food presentation categories.

Turkish chefs from Liverpool to Okinawa: Kemal Coşkunçay and Ali Kavlak

Well-known international British and Turkish chef Kemal Coşkunçay from Liverpool, England, was also among the international jury members of the organisation. Coşkunçay was accompanied by Ali Kavlak and İhsan Yeşil from the Turkish gastronomy sector, while journalist Vatan Öz also followed the competition in Okinawa on behalf of the British media and conducted interviews as part of the organisation. He also supervised the chefs.

British Northwest Chefs Union and Association in Japan

Coşkunçay and his colleague Ali Kavlak, who travelled from Liverpool to Japan, participated in the organisation by special invitation. The two chefs are known for their work in the Liverpool gastronomy sector, as well as their activities within the British Northwest Chefs Union and Association.

Coşkunçay and Kavlak also continue their work with Casa Rima Restaurant in Liverpool.

Thus, Turkish gastronomy representatives from Liverpool, England, met with chefs from different countries on the same platform at the international organisation held in Okinawa, Japan.
Taiwan participated with a 100-member team

One of the teams that attracted attention in the competition was Team Taiwan, representing Taiwan.

British Northwest Chefs Union and Association President Kemal Coskuncay from Liverpool and organiser, Head Chef and team captain Chen Chi-Wen

The professional gastronomy team of approximately 100 people, led by Head Chef and team captain Chen Chi-Wen, participated in the competition in Okinawa. Despite the challenging weather conditions in the region due to the typhoon, the Taiwan team continued its programme at the organisation.

2026 Japan Best Foreign Chef Award winner Turkish chef İhsan Yeşil from Tokyo, organisation President Yuka Takano and famous Master Chef Kemal Cokuncay

Organisation President Yuka Takano thanked the representatives of Taiwan during the opening and evaluated the culinary work presented by the team and its performance in the competition.

World-famous chefs and jury members Ali Kavlak and Kemal Coskunçay, who continue their work with Casa Rima Restaurant in Liverpool, with journalist Vatan ÖZ from London.

Team Taiwan’s large-scale participation also increased the visibility of Taiwanese cuisine on the international gastronomy platform.

Gastronomy cultures meet in Okinawa

The J-IAFBC provided an opportunity for culinary cultures from different countries to come together under the same organisation.

Barista Coffee and cocktail categories attracted attention

Professionals competing in different fields, from traditional Japanese sweets to Chinese cuisine, and from pastry to coffee and cocktail categories, were presented for evaluation by the jury members.

The organisation held in Okinawa demonstrated the international nature of Asia-based gastronomy competitions.
It also highlighted the presence of Turkish gastronomy professionals participating from Türkiye and England on this platform.

This participation from Liverpool to Okinawa also drew attention to the international reach of the gastronomy activities of Turkish chefs working in England.

International British and Turkish chef and jury member Kemal Coşkunçay and Ali Kavlak will participate as jury members in the next competition in Taiwan.

London Design Festival has unveiled its thought leadership programming for 2026, including the full Global Design Forum line-up and the V&A x LDF installations, taking place during the Festival from 12-20 September 2026.

The Global Design Forum will take place from 12-14 September at the V&A South Kensington's Lydia and Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre. The curated talks programme is free to attend and tickets are now available at londondesignfestival.com/gdf

This year's Forum is guest-curated by Rhiarna Dhaliwal, a British-Indian architectural designer, researcher and curator whose practice explores design, technology, ecology and geopolitics. She is a Design Researchers in Residence alumna at the Design Museum and co-founder of Xcessive Aesthetics.

Supported by Programme Partners Bowmore and Sun Media Group, the theme for 2026 is Worlds in Motion, exploring the exchange of ideas, culture, context and expertise and how design acts as a catalyst for global change.

DAY ONE - Saturday 12 September: Designing Futures

Day One focuses on technology, innovation and collaboration.

The highlight is a keynote talk between acclaimed artist and designer Es Devlin CBE and Festival Director Ben Evans CBE, reflecting on experimentation and how technology, spatial and interactive design can unlock new creative potentials.

Other talks include 'Shared Ecologies' with Baum and Leahy, Justina Alexandroff, Yasaman Sheri and Claudia Pasquero, moderated by Janice Li, and 'Shared Intelligence' with Harry Kumar of MOTH Quantum and Betty Lu of FIELD.IO, moderated by Pita Arreola. Filmmaker Liam Young will screen "Planet City" alongside Eunjo Lee's "When Forgiving the Sunlight".

DAY TWO - Sunday 13 September: Designing Atmospheres

Supported by Programme Partner Bowmore, Day Two explores how design shapes sensory perception, memory and embodied experience.

A highlight is a conversation between Bowmore Master Blender Dr Calum Fraser and Snarkitecture Co-Founder Alex Mustonen on their collaboration for the new Bowmore Captivo Collection, exploring whisky-making and architectural design. The session will begin with a complimentary tasting of Bowmore Captivo Oak Voyage 20-Year-Old.

Other sessions include 'The Power of Sound' with L-Acoustics, composer Hollie Buhagiar and Stephen Dobbie; 'The Shape of Colour' with Adam Nathaniel Furman, artist Lakwena Maciver, Professor Anna Franklin and Ruth Lloyd, moderated by Kassia St Clair; and 'Activating Objects' with Dr Hideki Yoshimoto of Craft x Tech, Brendan Cormier and Sam Jacob, moderated by Corinne Julius.

DAY THREE - Monday 14 September: Designing Common Grounds

Supported by Programme Partner Sun Media Group, the final day examines culture, craft and habits.

A highlight is an in-conversation with pioneering journalist and co-founder of Sun Media Group Yang Lanand Natalie Melton, Executive Director of the Crafts Council, exploring how traditional craftsmanship informs contemporary design.

Other talks include 'Civic Futures' with Marina Blake, Sahra Hersi and Alice Meyer, moderated by Francesca Perry, and 'After Extraction' by Session Partner Ithra, with Sultan AlBadran, Joel De Mowbray and Seetal Solanki.

V&A x LDF: AWAKENINGS

Co-curated by Carrie Chan and Kristian Volsing, V&A x LDF: AWAKENINGS brings radical creative inquiry into the museum's galleries, exploring how design, craft and technology reshape our experience of digital and physical worlds.

Key installations include:

- Image Syncers by Nina Davies: A fictional podcast where a mysterious collective attempts to transform into AI-generated figures, considering how people adapt to computational aesthetics.

- The Server by Playfool: The V&A Emerging Design Commission by Daniel Coppen and Saki Maruyama explores systems of care and AI through the routine practice of object cleaning.

- Lovers Hold by Henry Svendsen: Reimagining the plinth and spatial politics of cruising sites through viscous, grotto-like forms suspended around stainless steel armatures.

- Once Upon A Garden by Linda Dounia Rebeiz: 50 emergent species of speculative flora across 5 chapters, using AI to document flowers not prominently recorded.

- your golf course made my GPU by Sam Ghantous: Drawing together sand and digital technologies to explore the entanglement between earth and technology.

- Metamorphic Modulation by Albert Yonathan Setyawan: Over 700 hand-modelled clay pieces, slip-cast in red terracotta and left unglazed, evoking leaves and flowers.

- When the Void Gazes Back by Eunjo Lee: Inspired by the V&A's Buddhist art collection, a digitally sculpted film exploring Zen, karma and impermanence, with sculptures 3D-printed from recycled clay.

- Sender Unknown by Aziza Kadyri: A response to the V&A's suzani collection, fusing Uzbek hand-embroidered textiles with a bespoke AI model. Female artisans in Nurota, Uzbekistan hand-embroidered contemporary motifs developed by the artist.

- Time After Time by Intoart artist Andre Williams: Fusing clockmaking and soundsystem design, a longcase clock decorated with Ndebele and Bamiléké motifs sits in the V&A's 18th-century mirrored room.

Wider events include V&A Friday Late on 18 September and Digital Design Weekend from 19-20 September, supported by the Adobe Foundation, celebrating digital art and technology through interactive exhibits and workshops.

London Design Festival 2026 is supported by the Mayor of London as Principal Supporter and Bloomberg Philanthropies, with Bloomberg Connects as the official digital guide.

One of the defining moments for UK design and a cornerstone of the global cultural calendar, the Festival will showcase Landmark Installations, Special Projects, the Global Design Forum, the London Design Medals, Fairs and a Partner Programme across eleven Design Districts.

For 2026, the Festival is defined by a convergence of global exchange, craft revival and future-facing technologies, with many projects exploring how cultural heritage, material innovation and digital thinking can coexist. A key theme is the recontextualisation of tradition within contemporary global narratives, with an emphasis on dialogue — between East and West, past and future, human and non-human, physical and digital. Sustainability, circularity and reflection are at the forefront.

The Mayor of London has been announced as Principal Supporter for 2026. The Festival continues to be supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, with Bloomberg Connects serving as the official digital guide.

"London Design Festival 2026 is proving to be an exceptional year with a vibrant array of international installations and projects, new design districts, and an expanding Global Design Forum following the success of Global Design Forum Istanbul in May. London retains its allure as a global design capital,"
- Ben Evans CBE, London Design Festival Director and Co-Founder

Landmark Project: The Pangolin Shield

The first Landmark Project announced is The Pangolin Shield by Studio Saar and Atelier One, supported by Secure. The pavilion will be located on Strand Aldwych, the pedestrianised public space behind the Indian High Commission.

Inspired by the pangolin, the world's most trafficked mammal, the work explores colonial legacies, power, ecological exploitation and the movement of people and beings across borders. It embodies dualities of vulnerability and protection, East and West, displacement and acceptance.

The structure consists of a bamboo grid shell covered with traditional Indian police shields made from lathis, and woven rain shields or 'knups' traditionally used by farmers in north-eastern India. Layered like scales, they form a protective canopy that plays with light and shade while providing collective shelter.

Studio Saar is a multidisciplinary practice working between the UK and India, led by Founder Ananya Singhal. The pavilion is engineered in collaboration with Atelier One, led by Founder Neil Thomas MBE, known for advancing bamboo as a low-carbon structural solution.

Special Projects

MADE x Barbican: MADE will unveil a collaboration with the Barbican, launching a 23-piece interiors collection that reinterprets the Barbican Estate for modern living. An immersive installation will delve into the archives of Barbican interiors and the work of designer Miriam Howitt. The collection will be available at MADE.COM from August 2026.

Reviving Craft: Reflection of the Mind by Sun Media Group at Somerset House: Curated by Su Dan, Deputy Director of the Chinese Traditional Culture Museum and Professor at Tsinghua University, and Yang Lan, Chairperson of Sun Media Group, the exhibition brings together over 60 artisans and designers from China and abroad. Divided into three sections — Clear the Mind, Nourish the Mind, and Refine the Mind — it explores traditional Chinese craftsmanship within contemporary life. This is the third edition, following exhibitions in Paris in 2024 and Milan in 2025.

Craft x Tech Tokai Project: Returning for its second edition, founded by Dr Hideki Yoshimoto of Tangent and curated by Maria Cristina Didero, the project pairs international designers with Japanese craftspeople from the Tokai region specialising in lacquer, metal, woodworking, ceramics, washi paper and textiles. Collaborations include Yohei Ito with David Caon, Takanori Senda with Lanzavecchia + Wai, Hiroyuki Murase with Bethan Laura Wood, and Shigeyuki Ando with Philippe Malouin.

MixZ: Future Living with Shenzhen Style™ at the Old Selfridges Hotel: An immersive exploration where design, technology and culture converge. The installation will showcase China's leading design and technology brands, many making their UK debut, through cinematic spaces and interactive experiences.

L-Acoustics at Wapping Hydraulic Power Station: An immersive sound experience inside the historic Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, built in 1890. The space will open to the public for the first time in 13 years.

V&A x LDF26: AWAKENINGS and Design Museum

The V&A, the Festival's long-standing partner, will present AWAKENINGS, co-curated by Carrie Chan and Kristian Volsing. The programme explores how design, craft and technology can spark new perspectives around AI, the non-human world, music and identity. It features work from Henry Svendsen, Sam Ghantous, Andre Williams, Nina Davies, Albert Yonathan Setyawan, Aziza Kadyri, Eunjo Lee and V&A Emerging Designer 2026, Playfool.

At the Design Museum, the programme includes NIGO: From Japan with Love, the world's first retrospective on NIGO, Artistic Director of KENZO, alongside the annual PLATFORM series featuring designer and artist Simone Brewster.

Global Design Forum, Districts and Medals

The Global Design Forum will return to the V&A South Kensington from 12-14 September, with programme partners Sun Media Group and Bowmore.

The Festival will take place across 11 Design Districts: Bankside, Brompton, Chelsea, Dalston to Stokey, EC1, Fleet Street Quarter, Mayfair, Park Royal, Shoreditch Design Week, Blackhorse Creates (formerly William Morris Design Line) and the new Soho district.

Shoreditch Design Week, the Festival's largest district, will run from 15-20 September with four main exhibition venues and over 60 showrooms hosting hundreds of events.

The annual London Design Medals — The London Design Medal, Lifetime Achievement Medal, Emerging Design Medal and Design Innovation Medal — will be awarded at a dinner on 14 September.

The graphic identity for LDF26, titled Framing LDF, has been created by Pentagram, continuing a partnership of more than two decades.

London Design Festival 2026 runs from 12-20 September. More information at londondesignfestival.com

The latest economic assessment highlights potential Turkmen gas sales to Afghanistan through the TAPI pipeline, Kazakhstan’s efforts to develop alternative oil export routes amid continuing vulnerabilities affecting the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), and expanding economic cooperation between Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and India.

The developments also underline the region’s exposure to disruptions in Russian fuel supplies and the importance of cross-border energy infrastructure.

Turkmen Gas Sales to Afghanistan Expected Through TAPI

The local section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline in Afghanistan’s Herat province could become operational within two months, according to the governor of Herat.

The development could eventually enable Turkmen gas to be sold directly to consumers in Herat. It follows a bilateral memorandum signed between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan on August 10, establishing a framework for gas purchases.

However, the exact timing of commercial gas sales remains unclear. Additional infrastructure investment will also be required to improve Herat’s gas distribution network and connect industrial facilities and households.

Russia’s Fuel Shortages Put Pressure on Central Asian Markets

Russia’s worsening gasoline shortages are creating additional pressure on fuel markets across Central Asia.

Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries have reduced domestic refining capacity, prompting Moscow to restrict fuel exports and seek additional supplies from international markets.

Countries including Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which have traditionally relied heavily on Russian petroleum products, are being forced to consider alternative suppliers.

The disruption highlights the wider economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on Central Asian energy security and could accelerate regional efforts to diversify fuel supply chains.

Kazakhstan Seeks Alternative Oil Export Routes

Kazakhstan continues to examine alternative routes for oil exports as disruptions affecting the Caspian Pipeline Consortium highlight the country's dependence on infrastructure passing through Russian territory.

Astana has increased shipments across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan and onward toward Georgia. Routes such as Baku-Supsa could provide additional flexibility.

Although alternative routes currently lack the capacity to replace the CPC on a comparable scale, the disruptions are reinforcing Kazakhstan’s longer-term strategy of diversifying export infrastructure and reducing dependence on a single transit corridor.

Armenia and Azerbaijan Discuss Cross-Border Electricity Trade

Armenian and Azerbaijani officials met on August 25 to discuss the development of cross-border electricity infrastructure that could facilitate electricity imports and exports between the two countries.

The working group included representatives from Armenia’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Energy and energy companies from both sides.

The talks follow earlier discussions between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the potential construction of electricity transmission lines.

If implemented, the projects could create new opportunities for regional electricity trade and strengthen energy connectivity between the South Caucasus and neighboring markets.

Uzbekistan and India Target $5 Billion in Trade by 2030

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed economic cooperation on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Bishkek.

The two countries set a target of increasing bilateral trade turnover to $5 billion by 2030 and signed a memorandum on cooperation in critical minerals.

Officials in New Delhi also indicated that Uzbekistan and India are considering the renewal of a 2019 uranium supply agreement under which Uzbekistan supplied India with approximately 1,100 tons of uranium annually.

The discussions highlight the growing importance of critical minerals, energy and strategic commodities in Uzbekistan-India economic relations.

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan Expand Economic Partnership

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are translating their expanding political relationship into a broader portfolio of economic projects.

Following Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s August 23–24 state visit to Uzbekistan, the two countries announced initiatives covering banking, construction materials, education, fuel infrastructure, tourism, mining and agriculture.

The two sides also agreed on a roadmap for implementing the newly signed agreements.

Economic cooperation extends to the Middle Corridor, energy and investment, further strengthening Azerbaijan’s role in Central Asian trade and connectivity initiatives.

Turkmenistan Electricity Supply Disrupted in Seven Afghan Provinces

Electricity supplies from Turkmenistan to seven Afghan provinces were interrupted on August 31, according to Afghanistan’s national power utility.

The disruption was attributed to an alleged technical problem on the Turkmen side.

Afghanistan relies on foreign suppliers for approximately 80% of its electricity, making cross-border energy infrastructure particularly important to the country's energy security.

While the Turkmen supply was disrupted, Afghanistan turned to Uzbekistan for additional electricity. The two countries signed agreements worth approximately $243 million in 2025 aimed at increasing Afghanistan’s capacity to receive electricity from Uzbekistan.

Turkmenistan Begins Addressing Methane Leaks

Turkmenistan has repaired infrastructure associated with eight methane leaks as part of efforts to reduce emissions from its aging oil and gas facilities.

Methane is a major contributor to near-term global warming, while Turkmenistan has previously been identified as one of the world's leading sources of large methane releases from oil and gas operations.

The repairs represent a step toward reducing emissions, although satellite-based monitoring continues to identify significant methane releases.

According to the UN Methane Alert and Response System, 192 notifications of methane plumes were issued for Turkmenistan during the past 12 months.

The developments underline the growing economic and environmental pressure on major hydrocarbon producers to modernize infrastructure, improve emissions monitoring and increase transparency.

Regional Energy Diversification Gains Momentum

Taken together, the developments indicate that energy diversification is becoming an increasingly important economic priority across Central Asia and the Caspian region.

Alternative oil export corridors, new gas infrastructure, cross-border electricity trading and expanding partnerships with countries such as India are creating additional options for regional economies.

At the same time, disruptions to Russian fuel supplies and vulnerabilities affecting established export infrastructure are increasing pressure on governments to develop more resilient and diversified energy and trade networks.

This economic assessment is based on information provided to Avrupa Ajansı (AVA) and reflects reported developments and assessments concerning the regional economy, energy markets and infrastructure.

According to a regional assessment compiled by Avrupa Ajansı (AVA), the Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting was among a series of developments highlighting growing diplomatic and economic activity across the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

The talks between Aliyev and Pashinyan focused on the normalisation of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the ongoing border delimitation process and the implementation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a proposed transport initiative intended to strengthen regional connectivity.

Energy security also remained a key issue across the Caspian region. Kazakhstan is exploring alternative oil export routes as concerns over the security and operational reliability of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) continue to encourage efforts to diversify the country's export infrastructure.

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have also continued to expand cooperation in transport, logistics, energy and investment. Their growing partnership is contributing to broader efforts to strengthen connectivity between Azerbaijan and the five Central Asian states and to develop the wider Middle Corridor.

The SCO Summit in Bishkek brought regional leaders together to discuss security, economic cooperation, transport connectivity and energy. The meeting took place against a backdrop of increasing efforts to strengthen links between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

The United States is also expanding its economic engagement with Central Asia. A US congressional delegation recently visited Uzbekistan, with investment, critical minerals, trade and regional connectivity among the issues attracting increased attention.

In Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is continuing institutional reforms under his “New Kazakhstan” agenda. The country's transition towards a new unicameral legislative structure marks another stage in the political and institutional changes being pursued by the government.

Armenia, meanwhile, is continuing to deepen its engagement with the European Union. Prime Minister Pashinyan has announced plans to put the country's EU membership aspirations to a national referendum, signalling a further evolution in Yerevan's foreign-policy direction.

The TRIPP initiative has also been identified as an important element of Armenia's transport strategy for the 2026-2031 period. If implemented, the route could have wider implications for connectivity between Azerbaijan, Armenia and Türkiye, as well as for the broader Middle Corridor linking Europe and Asia.

Armenia-Russia relations continue to evolve alongside these developments. Pashinyan has reiterated Armenia's increasingly independent foreign-policy approach, while questions surrounding Russia's role in regional security structures and Armenia's railway system remain part of the wider debate.

Nuclear diplomacy remains another important element of Kazakhstan's international agenda. President Tokayev has called for renewed international efforts to bring the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) into force, reflecting Kazakhstan's long-standing position on nuclear disarmament and the legacy of the Semipalatinsk nuclear testing site.

The Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting in Bishkek, together with the wider discussions surrounding the SCO Summit, underline the growing importance of diplomacy, energy security and transport connectivity in shaping the strategic landscape of the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

The renewed agreement begins with the 2026-27 season and will give Sportradar exclusive global distribution rights for Euroleague Basketball’s official data and AV betting rights through 2031.

The deal covers more than 650 games each year across the EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup competitions.

Sportradar said the extension strengthens its global basketball portfolio and supports the continued development of the sport through technology, innovation and enhanced fan engagement.

The company currently works with a number of major basketball competitions, including the NBA, WNBA, NBL Australia, NBB Brazil, CBA China, LNB France, GBL Greece, LBA Italy and ACB Spain.

Expanded betting and fan engagement products

Under the renewed partnership, Sportradar will use its global distribution network, official data capabilities and technology to develop new betting and fan engagement products.

The company said the agreement will support deeper integration of official Euroleague Basketball data into products including expanded micro-betting and player markets, giving fans additional ways to engage with teams and players.

Sportradar will also continue providing integrity services to Euroleague Basketball, including betting monitoring through its Universal Fraud Detection System AI.

The partnership will also include education workshops for players and administrators aimed at raising awareness and helping prevent match-fixing.

“A shared strategic commitment”

Euroleague Basketball CEO Chus Bueno said the organisation was pleased to extend its partnership with Sportradar, describing the company as a trusted partner with a shared commitment to innovation and premium experiences for basketball fans worldwide.

Bueno said the long-term agreement reflected the strength of the EuroLeague and EuroCup as platforms for global organisations, while creating new opportunities to engage fans, support clubs and generate additional value for the competitions and their stakeholders.

Sportradar EVP Rights and Strategic Projects Moritz Gloeckler said the agreement strengthened the company’s position as an official data rights holder across major basketball properties.

Gloeckler added that the renewed partnership would create new commercial opportunities and support the development of innovative basketball solutions designed to enhance the global fan experience.

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