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27 November 2024

Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, hosted Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), for a high-level meeting. Minister Kurum briefed President Renaud-Basso on the "Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Project."

The Minister confirmed that the government is on track to deliver 202,000 housing units and commercial spaces by year-end, with a target of 453,000 by the end of 2025. He also noted that EUR 520 million would be earmarked for critical environmental infrastructure in the affected provinces.

TÜRKİYE’S SMART CITIES PROJECT AND NET ZERO VISION

Minister Kurum reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to the 2053 Net Zero Emission and Green Development vision, spearheaded by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Discussing the 2024–2030 National Smart Cities Strategy, Minister Kurum stated, “While we modernize our cities for the future, we remain dedicated to the highest standards of environmental conservation. Our current priority is implementing robust policies to enhance the energy performance of the national building stock.”

"THANK YOU FOR YOUR SOLIDARITY FOLLOWING THE FEBRUARY 6 EARTHQUAKES"

In a subsequent statement on social media, Minister Kurum wrote: “We held a fruitful exchange with EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso and her delegation regarding our ongoing efforts in the earthquake zone. Our discussions focused on eight environmental infrastructure projects totaling EUR 520 million, to be implemented as part of the Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Project. We also outlined our objectives and investments for combating climate change. We shared our strategic plans and projects for urban revitalization. I would like to thank Ms. Basso for the EBRD’s steadfast solidarity following the February 6 earthquakes. I look forward to further strengthening our 15-year partnership through these high-impact collaborations.”