Organized in collaboration with Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Business and Economics and, Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences and contributions of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the congress titled “Political Economy of the Eastern Mediterranean and the TRNC” commenced with an opening ceremony held on Thursday, 17 October 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall. The said congress ended on 18 October 2024.
The congress was attended by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Acting Rector of Ankara Hacı Veli University Prof. Dr. Metin Orbay, Executive Board Chair of the Cyprus Foundations Administration Salahaddin Baykıran, Dean of EMU Faculty of Business and Economics Prof. Dr. Mustafa Besim, Dean of Ankara Hacı Veli University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences Prof. Dr. Fırat Purtaş, Department Directors, TR-Nicosia Embassy Officials, Representatives of TIKA, Faculty members and students.
“Economic and Political Developments to be discussed”
The event commenced with the observance of A Minute of Silence and National Anthem, followed by a speech delivered by the Vice Dean of EMU Faculty of Business and Economics, Assist. Prof. Dr. Yenal Süreç who welcomed the attendees of the congress, noting that the 2-day event would focus of economic and political developments in the Eastern Mediterranean region and, their reflections on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Presenting detailed information about EMU Faculty of Business and Economics, Assist. Prof. Dr. Süreç underscored that as the faculty, they attach great importance on academic events. At the end of his speech, Assist. Prof. Dr. Süreç thanked those who have contributed to the actualization of the event.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Dikmen, the Vice Dean of Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Ankara Hacı Veli University also delivered a speech, conveying their happiness on collaborating with EMU. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dikmen stated that many important issues would be discussed in the said event and wished for the event to be beneficial to all.
On the other hand, Acting Rector of Ankara Hacı Veli University Prof. Dr. Metin Orbay expressed their contentment on being at EMU and at the congress which was being held in collaboration with EMU, the oldest and most prestigious university in the TRNC, during a period of heightened tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. Prof. Dr. Orbay also expressed his hope that the discussions at the congress would provide valuable insights into the field and offered his gratitude to everyone involved in making the event possible.
“The Congress will Shed Light on Many Important Topics”
In his address, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç extended a warm welcome to everyone attending the collaboratively organized congress. Prof. Dr. Kılıç noted that EMU, as the most established higher education institution in the TRNC and the only state university founded by law, has hosted numerous national and international congresses over its 45-year history. Highlighting EMU’s contributions to a wide range of social, political, and international research, Prof. Dr. Kılıç noted that the two-day congress would delve into key issues affecting the region, with a particular focus on the TRNC. Prof. Dr. Kılıç expressed confidence that the congress would shed light on many important topics and bring fresh perspectives to the region’s economic and political developments.
Following the opening speeches, an opening panel titled “Economic and Political Development in Eastern Mediterranean and TRNC”, moderated by the Dean of EMU Faculty of Business and Economics Prof. Dr. Mustafa Besim was held with the participation of researcher writer İsmail Bozkurt, former Private Representative of TRNC President Mustafa Ergün Olgun, Ankara Hacı Veli University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences academic staff member Prof. Dr. Birol Çetin and, EMU Faculty of Business and Economics academic staff member Prof. Dr. Kudret Özersay.
Total of 55 Papers Presented
On Friday, 18 October, 2024, the congress proceeded with 55 presentations across 12 sessions, with 7 held in person and 5 conducted online. The sessions, which took place in Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall and the Faculty of Business and Economics, focused on economic and political developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the TRNC’s role within these dynamics. Key topics included energy policies in the Eastern Mediterranean and their effects on the region and the TRNC, environmental security management, regional cooperation, the economic impact of international agreements on Turkey and the TRNC, and the regional effects of supply and transportation corridors.
