Erdogan attends opening session of RIO+20

Delivering a speech at a meeting on the sidelines of Rio+20 Summit on Thursday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey has been pursuing an active policy for prosperity, tranquility and stability in the region. Erdogan reiterated that the number of Syrians fleeing clashes in their country and entering Turkey exceeded 31,000, saying, "We cannot close the door to these people. It is a responsibility and a matter of humanity." Touching upon Turkey's achievements in economy, Erdogan said, "Our national income has risen by three folds in the last nine years to increase from $230 billion to $772. Turkey's economy grew by 8.5% in 2011, and thus Turkey has become the second fastest growing country in the world." Erdogan added that Turkey has implemented vitally important reforms in such fields as maternal and infant mortality, unemployment, education and health and Turkey would continue to exert efforts to maintain this positive picture. "These positive experiences could set a model mainly countries in the region, as well as almost every other country in the world. We discuss and share our experiences and suggestions with our interlocutors whenever possible, mostly through the G-20 platform. We will continue to use our increasing possibilities and capabilities to ensure regional and global peace, security, welfare and stability in a determined way from now on as well," Erdogan added.