Barcelona, 13 October 2015 – The Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME) strongly condemns the terrorist attack that took the lives of 97 innocent Turkish citizens in Ankara on 10 October, 2015, and extends our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Turkey.

Turkey, a key country in the Mediterranean region- has managed to double the country’s current income per capita five times over a 10-year period and strongly reduce illiteracy rates. In addition, Turkey is one of the 20 world’s largest economies and plays a major role in the world stage. War and terror become a direct threat not only to the territorial integrity and security of the country but also to the economy, stability and prosperity of the Mediterranean region and worldwide.

Therefore, a sustainable partnership between the private and public sector is imperative in order to protect the essential elements of our economy and way of life. It is particularly important at this time that Turkey, the Euro-Mediterranean countries and all the regional and international private and public partners stand together against terror. We are convinced that Turkey, a vibrant civil society and democracy will withstand this challenge and remain as a vital bridge between the East and the West.