Mr President,

We thank the Secretary General and all briefers for their valuable presentations.

Transnational organized crime and terrorism remain key challenges that continue to hinder the efforts to maintain international peace and security, achieve sustainable development, as well as to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights.

The nexus between organized crime and terrorism and their heavy engagement in drug trafficking, cannot and should not be disregarded.

Human trafficking is among the most serious forms of organized crime. It is a clear violation of human rights and a serious offence to human dignity and integrity.

This global problem bears immense costs on the social and economic fabric of our societies.

As a country hosting the largest refugee population, Türkiye attaches utmost importance to protect the rights and dignity of migrants, refugees and victims of trafficking. We believe in the need to deal with cross-cutting issues, including human trafficking, forced migration, labor, sustainable development and human rights, in a holistic manner.

Mr President,

Illicit drug trafficking poses a serious risk to international security and stability, particularly through a growing global organized crime network.

Türkiye, due to its geographical location, has long been fighting against illicit drug and precursors trafficking.

We are fully committed to the three international drug control conventions and see their full and universal implementation crucial for the effectiveness of the system.

We are actively contributing to the work of regional and international organizations such as the UNODC, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

Mr President,

Drug trafficking fuels terrorism, which in turn perpetuates the drug trade. To break this vicious cycle, the international community must collaborate more closely than ever before, sharing intelligence, resources, and best practices.

Türkiye continues to be an ardent promoter of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

We have been at the forefront of countering terrorist organizations with a broad spectrum of ideologies, be it DAESH, Al-Qaida, PKK/PYD/YPG or Fethullah Gülen Terrorist Organisation for years.

These groups and others have been operating across national borders, running training camps, acquiring financial resources, operating media outlets to disseminate their propaganda and glorify their vicious acts abroad.

The PKK terrorist organization fully illustrates the symbiotic nature of terrorism and transnational organized crime. This terrorist network engages in trafficking and marketing of drugs across Europe. Drug trafficking remains one of its indispensable financial sources.

Countering financing of terrorism and anti-money laundering efforts should also be at the center of the international community’s approach to effectively address the problem in all its aspects.

We commend the work of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in this respect.

Mr President,

The increasing use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for criminal purposes also deserves our attention.

The malign use of ICTs further exacerbate the adverse impacts of threats on fundamental freedoms and calls for a concerted international response through strong cooperation between states and relevant stakeholders.

As newer and more sophisticated methods including the use of ICTs for criminal purposes continue to emerge, countering organized crime and terrorism is becoming more complex.

Mr President,

We need to develop effective strategies, strengthen our cooperation, and build a safer future.

Türkiye will continue to contribute to international efforts to this end.

I thank you.