15.01.2026 15:15
Fatih Dönmez, the former Minister of Energy and the Head of the Turkey Delegation of the KEİPA, speaking at the second International Ayder Forum held this year, emphasized that Turkey plays a critical role in regional and global energy balances due to its strategic location. Dönmez announced that the theme for next year's forum, where global energy policies, artificial intelligence technologies, and sustainable energy strategies will be discussed, will be "health."
The world-famous tourism center Ayder Plateau is hosting the 2nd International Ayder Forum this year. In the event, Fatih Dönmez, the former Minister of Energy and the Head of the Turkish Delegation to the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Parliamentary Assembly (BSEC PA), who is moderating the forum, stated that they discussed the topic of "logistics" at last year's first forum. Dönmez expressed that this year's topic has been determined as "energy" and that next year's third forum will be held under the title of "health."
Stating that Ayder is known by everyone in Turkey, Dönmez expressed that the recognition of Ayder will further increase worldwide thanks to such events.
"TURKEY TAKES ON A CRITICAL DIMENSION IN ENERGY GLOBALLY AND REGIONALLY" Dönmez emphasized that Turkey is located at the intersection of three continents and continued as follows:
"Thanks to its strategic geographical location, Turkey takes on a critical dimension in energy both regionally and globally. Energy lines extending from the Caucasus, the Caspian Basin, and Central Asia to Europe through Turkey not only convey economic value but also play an important role in shaping regional energy balances and diplomatic relations. Renewable energy investments complementing these lines and the increasing use of domestic resources, especially Black Sea natural gas, are among the elements that strengthen the resilience of our energy system. In parallel, significant progress is being made in the field of nuclear energy to diversify the energy portfolio. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which is under construction in Mersin, also aims to reduce external dependency and strengthen low-carbon production."
"TURKEY CONTINUES ITS GOAL OF BECOMING AN ENERGY CENTER WITH DETERMINATION" Pointing out that Turkey has implemented strategically important natural gas and oil pipeline projects one by one, especially in the last 20 years, Dönmez made the following assessment:
"In this context, Turkey is resolutely pursuing its goal of being a reliable and predictable energy center with its strong transmission infrastructure, increasing storage capacity, and cooperative approach. In line with this vision, the establishment of a natural gas trading center alongside the Istanbul Financial Center is also on the agenda. It emphasizes Turkey's potential to be a regional center where the dynamics of supply and demand intersect and where market operations deepen. This framework supports Turkey's energy diplomacy while also presenting a perspective that could contribute to a cooperative and predictable energy architecture in the Black Sea and surrounding basins."
Dönmez stated that within the scope of the forum, discussions will be held on classical energy, conventional energy sources, renewable energy sources, carbon-free energy production opportunities, and the steps taken in this direction, adding, "We will also evaluate the effects of new technologies on the energy system and energy infrastructure, as well as grid integration in a panel that I will moderate, particularly focusing on the relationship between artificial intelligence and energy, which we have been hearing about frequently in recent years. I believe this forum will make significant contributions to deepening energy collaborations in the Black Sea region and taking concrete steps."
BSEC PA Secretary General Asaf Hajiyev stated that a historic forum was held in the beautiful land of Turkey, Rize, and Ayder. Hajiyev emphasized that the forum brings people together to think about a common future and thanked everyone who contributed to the organization.
Moreover, the following topics were discussed at the forum:
Energy and Artificial Intelligence Innovations and Effects in the Energy Sector Energy Competition and the Future of Energy Strategies in the Black Sea-Eurasia Region Towards Low/Zero Carbon Buildings: Smart, Cost-Effective, and Environmentally Friendly Energy Solutions Private Sector in Energy Turkey's Nuclear Future, Strategies, Technologies, and Sustainability