ISTANBUL, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Wednesday called on Asian parliamentarians to develop closer cooperation so as to better cope with regional and global problems.
The premier said more common projects and tighter business alliances should be developed in the region, with focus on railways, highways and other infrastructure projects.
"So that Asia's growing and expanding economies will not be interrupted by any kind of problems, crises and chaos," he said at the 10th plenary session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly being held in Istanbul.
Yildirim described the modern Silk Road project as a good example of close business association.
"Through China's Belt and Road Initiative, Asia once again has become the focus of the world's economic and trade relations," he said.
China's Belt and Road Initiative, or the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road, seeks to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along and beyond the ancient trade routes.
"Turkey attributes great importance to the projects and initiatives contributing to the revival of the Silk Road," Yildirim said.
Speaking of the newly opened railway linking Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, he said "these projects aim to reduce conflicts between Asia and Europe, increase opportunities and contribute to regional and global peace."
Founded in 2006, the Asian Parliamentary Assembly is aimed at promoting peace, reconciliation, security, development and integration in Asia.
