Minister Bayraktar: We will turn Hakkari into a mining and energy center

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, who came to Hakkari to participate in the programs, attended the "Türkiye Century Meetings" program held at the teacher's house.

Bayraktar, who held a press conference afterwards, stated that he was very happy to be in the city.

Stating that one of the most important projects of the Türkiye Century vision is Terror-Free Türkiye and Terror-Free Zone, Bayraktar said:

"Therefore, it is important for us to observe the developments and progress in this context. I believe that a terror-free Turkey and the Region will make many of our provinces and all our provinces in this region shine like a star. Because each province has its own very important characteristics. Unfortunately, we see that these have not reached their true potential in the past 40 years, in the years spent with this struggle. We always give this example, especially in Gabar, after purifying that region from terrorism, with the discovery and production of oil there." "Just as the face of Gabar and, of course, Şırnak has changed, I hope our other provinces in this region, and especially Hakkari, will become a center in mining for us."

"We need to add mineral diversity and richness to our economy"

Stating that they will make Hakkari a shining star with its underground resources and young population, Bayraktar said, "Hakkari is one of our most important driving forces at the point where we want to bring Türkiye to mining and energy. We always say this in mining, Turkey is a country rich in minerals. Hakkari is one of the most important countries in the world in terms of mineral diversity and one of our most important places. Therefore, we need to add this mineral diversity and richness to our economy." he said.

Bayraktar continued as follows:

"While adding this, of course, we do not ignore this. We have two very important red lines. One of them is the environment. In other words, we want to implement this mining with the environment, not despite it. The second and simultaneously important thing is occupational health and safety. That is, to carry out these activities in our mines without any accidents or occupational health and safety violations. And as a result, to carry out value-added mining. In other words, not "let's extract the mineral from here and sell it as raw material", but in an integrated way in the entire value chain, from the mine to the intermediate product, to the end product. "To be able to do this with integrated facilities that will turn it into a product, a final product, and then it will be possible to create real value. Therefore, in the work we carry out with this understanding, we want to carry out these targeted studies in some of our provinces, especially in critical and strategic mines, together with mining specialization cities and mining specialization regions in the coming period."

"There is natural gas in over 980 settlements"

Stating that issues such as energy infrastructure in Hakkari and the delivery of electricity to the villages where there are turns are on their agenda, Bayraktar emphasized that one of the most important projects that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has brought to Türkiye in the last 24 years is natural gas.

Stating that there is an intense demand in the towns and districts that are lacking in natural gas, Bayraktar said, "As you know, the center of Hakkari has had natural gas since 2018. In 2002, our President set the target of "We will bring natural gas to 81 provinces" and thank God, today there is natural gas in 81 provinces. There is natural gas in over 980 settlements, districts and towns. I hope we can bring this service to the places that do not have access now. There will be a reverse migration there as well, right? Because natural gas is a great convenience. Women will appreciate it better. Therefore, we will not leave any place where natural gas does not go. Of course, it is not that easy to go there, but now our work started with Hakkari center in 2018 and in Yüksekova in 2024. "If it is already on that route, I hope we will bring these services to our citizens there, namely in Büyükçiftlik and other places as well." he said.

"I hope Hakkari will become a center of attraction"

Bayraktar underlined that they are trying to return the mineral and oil resources, riches, and revenues obtained from natural gas as a service to the citizens, and stated that they will provide more support to Hakkari in this sense.

Stating that Hakkari will become an employment center with the work to be done, Bayraktar continued his speech as follows:

"So, it will be a source of employment for thousands of our young people here, our young brothers who are our strength that we mentioned at the beginning, and I hope Hakkari will become a center of attraction. It will continue to add strength to the economy and power of our country. I hope that today's meetings will be very productive for Hakkari, for us. Of course, when this place goes further in terms of this mine, when the integrated facilities come here, the logistics network should also become stronger. Especially the Van connection by railway is important. Our other roads need to become stronger. Regarding these, all relevant ministers "We will also inform our friends and relevant institutions. Therefore, I hope it will be a nice, useful and auspicious visit."

Bayraktar said, "Terror-free Turkey, the Turkey Century are very important developments that really excite our people and excite the 86 million people in Türkiye. Under the leadership of our President, we will achieve these goals as one, with God's permission, at a time when the world and the region are going through the ring of fire. We will continue on our way as a stronger Turkey, with a more economically grown Turkey, and a Turkey with increased exports, employment and production." made his assessment.

AK Party Şırnak Deputy Arslan Tatar, AK Party Hakkari Provincial Chairman Zeydin Kaya, mayors and AK Party organization members attended the program.