The Council's new Local Economic Growth Plan, titled “Enfield Delivers”, was approved by Cabinet on 14 October 2026 and sets out a vision for the borough's development over the next 14 years.

The strategy aims to position Enfield as London's leading industrial and entrepreneurial borough by 2040, building on its existing strengths while ensuring that economic opportunities reach communities across the area.

A New Vision for Enfield's Economic Future

Situated within one of the UK's most dynamic economic growth corridors, Enfield is already home to approximately 14,000 businesses, the majority of which are small and medium-sized enterprises.

The borough also has the fourth-largest amount of industrial land among London's boroughs, providing significant opportunities for manufacturing, logistics and commercial development.

Alongside its industrial strengths, Enfield benefits from a young, diverse and entrepreneurial population, as well as the fourth-largest amount of green space in London.

Council leaders believe these advantages place Enfield in a strong position to attract investment, encourage innovation and create sustainable economic growth.

The new strategy seeks to build on these foundations by supporting businesses, improving employment opportunities and ensuring residents have access to the skills required by a changing economy.

Creating Jobs and Supporting Local Businesses

One of the central ambitions of the Enfield Delivers plan is to help local businesses expand while encouraging new companies and investors to establish themselves in the borough.

The Council intends to work closely with businesses, education providers and community organisations to strengthen the local economy and connect residents with new employment opportunities.

The strategy also places considerable emphasis on apprenticeships, professional training and skills development, recognising the importance of preparing local people for emerging industries.

By improving access to training and employment, the Council hopes to ensure that economic growth delivers meaningful benefits for residents of all backgrounds.

Four Key Industries to Drive Growth

The economic strategy identifies four priority sectors with significant potential to generate investment and high-quality employment:

• Advanced and future-facing manufacturing: Supporting innovation, modern production methods and industrial development.

• Construction and net zero: Encouraging sustainable building practices, green technologies and environmentally responsible development.

• Logistics and wholesale: Building on Enfield's strategic location and established industrial infrastructure.

• Creative industries: Supporting cultural businesses, creative professionals and emerging entrepreneurial opportunities.

These sectors have been selected because of their potential to increase productivity, attract investment and generate long-term economic opportunities.

The Council also plans to support regeneration projects, improve town centres and strengthen transport, digital and energy infrastructure to help unlock further growth.

Council Leader: “Growth Must Work for Everyone”

Councillor Alessandro Georgiou, Leader of Enfield Council, welcomed the approval of the strategy and highlighted the borough's considerable economic potential.

“Enfield is a borough full of ambition, talent and opportunity. We have world-class assets, thriving businesses, major regeneration programmes and one of the most entrepreneurial communities anywhere in London,” he said.

However, Councillor Georgiou emphasised that economic development must benefit the wider community rather than a limited number of businesses or investors.

“But growth must work for everyone. Through this plan, we are setting out a clear plan to attract investment, create better jobs, support local businesses and help residents gain the skills they need to succeed.”

He added that the Council's priority would be turning its ambitions into practical results.

“Most importantly, it is about delivery. This is our commitment to building a stronger economy and a brighter future for our borough.”

Regeneration and Investment Across the Borough

Enfield's major regeneration programmes are expected to play an important role in delivering the strategy.

Investment in town centres, infrastructure and commercial spaces is intended to create more attractive environments for businesses, residents and visitors.

The Council also wants to strengthen the borough's resilience by encouraging economic diversification and supporting industries capable of adapting to technological and environmental changes.

A key element of the plan is ensuring that growth is not concentrated in a small number of locations but creates opportunities throughout Enfield.

The strategy has been developed in consultation with local businesses, voluntary organisations and public sector partners, reflecting a collaborative approach to economic development.

Building a Stronger Enfield by 2040

The Enfield Delivers strategy is built around three main priorities: developing a productive and resilient economy, creating thriving places, and building a skilled and work-ready population.

Together, these objectives are intended to establish a foundation for sustainable economic growth over the coming years.

The Council will also monitor Enfield's economic performance and assess progress against the strategy's long-term ambitions.

With its combination of industrial capacity, business activity, regeneration opportunities and diverse communities, Enfield hopes to establish itself as a leading destination for investment and entrepreneurship in London.

The approval of the plan marks an important starting point, but its long-term success will depend on translating the Council's vision into new jobs, stronger businesses and tangible improvements for local residents.

As Enfield looks towards 2040, the central ambition is clear: to build a more prosperous, competitive and inclusive borough where businesses can thrive and residents can share in the benefits of economic growth.

For landlocked Uzbekistan, developing this corridor is part of a broader policy to diversify foreign trade routes. The country’s participation not only expands the cargo volume along this route but also strengthens transport links between Asian nations. A primary objective is to establish a seamless logistics chain that ensures effective coordination between rail, road, and maritime transport.

The route’s growing importance is evidenced by the rise in the volume of Uzbek cargo shipments. By the end of 2025, this volume reached 1.2 million tonnes – atwofold increase over the past five years. The share of the "Middle Corridor" in Uzbekistan’s freight trade with the European Union rose from 12 percent in 2021 to 28 percent in 2025. This demonstrates the route's gradual integration into the logistics chains of domestic businesses.

The CASCA+ international multimodal route serves as a key cooperation mechanism, linking the Asia-Pacific region to Europe via China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. Within this framework, railway authorities coordinate transport terms and offer tariff discounts that reach up to 70 percent on certain segments. Future efforts will focus on ensuring regular shipments, synchronizing schedules, and expanding container transport.

New Railway Links

The China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway holds strategic importance for the development of the Trans-Caspian Corridor. Integrating this line with Central Asia’s transport network and Caspian ports will establish an additional route between China and Europe via Uzbekistan. This will create opportunities to boost transit volumes, develop logistics services, and expand industrial cooperation among the region's states.

Looking ahead, advancing the Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan railway project and linking it with the Trans-Caspian route could strengthen connections between South Asia, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus. The interplay of these routes lays the foundation for developing transport along both East – West and North –South axes.

Particular attention is being paid to Uzbekistan’s potential participation in developing the Nakhchivan railway route. This project offers a promising way to expand cargo delivery options via the South Caucasus to Turkey and, subsequently, to Europe. Defining the format of participation involves assessing potential cargo flows, economic viability, and integration with existing routes. Developing this corridor could provide greater flexibility in selecting transport routes within the Trans-Caspian network.

Ferry Service and Logistics Center in Poti

Maritime transport across the Caspian Sea remains a key link in the corridor. Vessel availability, port coordination, and the timely arrival of ground transport directly impact overall delivery times. Therefore, expanding maritime capacity must be accompanied by more frequent and reliable service.

In this regard, Uzbekistan is working with Azerbaijani partners to procure two ferries for Caspian Sea operations. These additional vessels aim to reduce cargo waiting times at ports and enable more precise delivery planning. Project planning takes into account technical specifications, port infrastructure, and operational cost-effectiveness. For national exporters, regular service is particularly crucial when transporting perishable goods and fulfilling contracts with fixed delivery deadlines.

Another practical initiative involves establishing a logistics center near the port of Poti in Georgia. Uzbekistan is leasing a four-hectare site for the facility's construction. The project includes plans for standard and refrigerated warehouses to handle export-import cargo, including fruit and vegetable products.

The center will facilitate the storage, accumulation, and consolidation of cargo shipments for subsequent transport across the Black Sea. This will provide national exporters with new opportunities to organize shipments to European markets, while allowing freight forwarding companies to expand their service offerings. Thus, the Poti facility, the additional ferries, and the Nakhchivan railway route complement one another, strengthening various segments of the integrated transport chain.

Digitalization and Harmonized Procedures

Infrastructure development must be accompanied by the removal of administrative barriers. The need to resubmit information, inconsistent document requirements, and lengthy border processing times reduce transport efficiency. Creating a seamless corridor requires the interoperability of information systems, the advance exchange of data, and the mutual recognition of electronic documents.

Uzbekistan is making a practical contribution through the development of
"E-Permit," a system for the electronic exchange of international road transport permits. The experience gained lays the groundwork for expanding digital cooperation among the corridor's participating states. Also of great importance is the Agreement on the Unified TRACECA Transit Permit, signed on May 15, 2026, in Astana by Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine. Once domestic procedures are completed and the agreement enters into force, it will enable transit operations to be carried out using a single, unified permit.

Future work will focus on developing electronic waybills (e-CMR and e-CIM/SMGS), harmonizing customs operations, and implementing electronic queuing systems. Shipment data must accompany the cargo during intermodal transfers, thereby minimizing data re-entry and accelerating processing times.

Uzbekistan views the development of the Trans-Caspian Corridor as a practical contribution to strengthening transport connectivity across Asia. New rail links, plans to acquire vessels, the establishment of a logistics center in Poti, and the digitalization of transport operations are expanding opportunities for trade and regional cooperation. The coordinated implementation of these initiatives will enhance supply reliability, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen ties between Asian and European markets.

Ildar Renatovich Yaushev

Chief Specialist, Department of the Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Issues, Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Respondents highlighted the improved public transport links, regeneration opportunities and better access to jobs, education and services that the extension could provide for communities on both sides of the River Thames. The proposed extension would provide Thamesmead with its first rail connection and support the delivery of thousands of new homes and jobs in Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, helping unlock some of London's most important regeneration opportunities while improving connectivity across east and southeast London.

The latest consultation, which ran from 5 June to 16 July 2026, focused on how the proposed new stations at Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead could look, how customers would access them, and how the extension could be constructed while minimising impacts on local communities, businesses and the environment. TfL received 553 responses, including 527 from members of the public and 26 from stakeholder organisations.

Respondents expressed continued strong support for the extension and the wider benefits it could bring, including improved connectivity, economic growth, and regeneration. Many also highlighted the importance of fully accessible stations, safe walking and cycling routes, good bus connections and ensuring the scheme allows for potential future DLR extensions beyond Thamesmead.

The consultation also identified concerns around construction impacts, including traffic, noise and environmental effects. These issues will continue to be considered as the scheme develops.

Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: “It’s great that we have reached the next milestone of this vital project, following the Government’s backing of our plans in last year’s budget. This scheme has the potential to transform travel in a part of the capital that has historically lacked the public transport connections it needs. It will unlock thousands of new homes and jobs, and boost economic growth across the capital and beyond, as we work to build a greener, fairer and more prosperous London for all.”

€3.4 billion to be distributed among the participating teams over the next 10 years.
•Euroleague Basketball targets €648 million in annual commercial revenues by Year 10.
The combined projected value of the League and its clubs is set to reach over €13 billion over the next 10 years.

The plan aims to significantly increase the League’s commercial revenues and economic distributions to participating clubs, while creating new opportunities for investment and expansion. It builds on the growth achieved over the previous decade and establishes a framework to further strengthen the EuroLeague’s position within the European and global basketball landscape.

Over the full 10-year period, the League projects total distributions of €3.4 billion to participating teams over the 10-year period, comprising €2.2 billion from revenues and €1.2 billion from franchise fees.

Commercial growth and increased distributions to clubs

Under the 10-year business plan, Euroleague Basketball targets €648 million in annual commercial revenues by Year 10. This ambition builds on the League’s track record, having achieved 5-fold commercial revenue growth over the previous 10-year period.

Economic distributions to clubs are projected to reach €2.2 billion over the 10 year period reinforcing the League’s commitment to sharing the value generated by the competition with its participating clubs.

Expansion opportunities and new investment

Expansion represents another key pillar of the 10-year strategy. Euroleague Basketball currently has 15 binding offers on the table, with a combined value of €1.2 billion, reflecting the interest in participating in the competition's future development.

The business plan forecasts €1.2 billion in franchise fees through two potential expansion windows, scheduled for 2027 and 2031. These fees would be additional to the commercial distributions generated for participating clubs, creating further opportunities to increase the economic resources available across the League.

Franchise transformation and long-term value creation

Based on current estimated valuations of €1.8 billion for the licensed clubs collectively and €1.4 billion for the League, the plan forecasts substantial long-term growth over the next decade.

The transition to a franchise-based model is expected to deliver an immediate increase in the value of both the clubs and the League from the 2026-27 season, with an anticipated 25% uplift in value.

By the end of the 10-year time horizon, the collective value of the current licensed clubs is projected to reach €5.4 billion, representing a threefold increase, while the value of the League is forecast to reach €7.98 billion, equivalent to 5.7 times its current estimated value, over next 10 years.
The franchise transformation is designed to provide a long-term framework for investment, stability and commercial growth, while enabling clubs to benefit from the increasing value of the overall competition.

Between 2-6 November, visitors participating in the Befriending Week cable car experience will share cabins with fellow ticket holders as they soar 90 metres above the River Thames. Designed to spark conversation and tackle social isolation, passengers are encouraged to exchange questions and stories during the journey.

This is the second year in a row that TfL has taken part in Befriending Week, with the Befriending Week experience on the cable car proving hugely popular last year. Each ticket includes a full round trip on the London Cable Car and a complimentary hot drink and can be booked here.

TfL is also partnering with the Volunteer Centre Greenwich at the Greenwich Peninsula Terminal to host a dedicated "Games and Connections" event on Monday 2 November aimed at bringing community members together with local befriending organisations in a relaxed, interactive setting. The event will include board games for guests to play in the Cable Car Experience café and is another way to help people to build new connections.

Danny Price, Director of Sponsored Services at TfL, said: "Transport for London plays a vital role in keeping Londoners connected to the places and people they love. By bringing people together 90 metres above the Thames for Befriending Week on the London Cable Car, we hope to show how simple it can be to start a conversation and turn a daily journey into a meaningful connection."

Liz Cutajar, Operations and Projects Manager at Visit Greenwich, said: “Every day in Greenwich, we see the positive impact a befriender can have on someone’s life. If you’d like to make a real difference in your community, we’d love for you to come along and find out how you can give your time to support someone who could benefit from a friendly face and a listening ear.”

Londoners and visitors can still book a very special ride on the London Cable Car as Cable Car-aoke returns, following its successful first run last year. Two cabins have been transformed into disco ball karaoke booths, where passengers can sing their hearts out high above the Thames every Thursday and Friday evening until 16 October. Also, for passengers with a head for heights, the Glass Floor Experience offers a 360-degree view of the city from 90 metres above the Thames, with mirrored ceilings providing the perfect selfie setting.

Held for the 26th time, the Fethiye International Air Games Festival has made a significant contribution to promoting the town internationally over the years. This year, media representatives from across Europe will help bring the festival and Fethiye’s wider tourism attractions to the attention of Turkish communities living abroad.
Through news reports, interviews and social media coverage from Fethiye, the visiting journalists are expected to introduce the festival to audiences across Europe while highlighting the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and tourism opportunities.
Media professionals travelling from the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland will follow the festival’s activities and share their experiences with Turkish-speaking audiences in their respective countries.

PROMOTING FETHIYE ACROSS EUROPE

During their visit, the media representatives will have the opportunity to explore some of Fethiye’s best-known attractions, including Babadağ and Ölüdeniz. Alongside the festival and its aerial sports programme, coverage will also highlight the region’s gastronomy, history, natural landscapes and cultural attractions.
The initiative aims to raise Fethiye’s profile among Turkish communities across Europe, for whom Türkiye remains an important holiday destination. By showcasing the town’s diverse attractions, the organisers hope to strengthen its appeal and encourage more European Turks to consider Fethiye for their holidays.
The visit will also provide an opportunity to present Fethiye not only as a destination for air sports but also as a place offering a rich combination of tourism, culture, nature and quality of life.

A JOINT EFFORT TO STRENGTHEN FETHIYE’S TOURISM PROFILE

The collaboration between Fethiye Municipality and the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry highlights the role of cooperation between local government, the business community and the media in promoting the town’s tourism future. By strengthening these partnerships, the initiative seeks to consolidate Fethiye’s position in established tourism markets while reaching new audiences across Europe.
The organisers expect the media visit to strengthen tourism and cultural links between Fethiye and Turkish communities living across Europe, increase awareness of the destination and contribute to its long-term tourism development.

With the participation of international athletes and the support of European Turkish media, the 26th Fethiye International Air Games Festival is expected to reach a wider audience this year.

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.

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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.

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