Antalya: The "Critical Raw Materials in the Age of Competition" panel was held Saturday as part of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. It addressed the geopolitical, economic, and strategic importance of underground resources, their role in the global competitive environment, and their effect on energy transition.

According to Anadolu Agency, the panel was moderated by TRT World presenter Isobel Ewing and featured Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Eduardo Gil Pinto, Botswana's Minister of International Relations Phenyo Butale, and Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Ayse Berris Ekinci as speakers.

Pinto discussed Venezuela's heavy dependency on the US for industry and related materials, highlighting the risks associated with the current supply chain. He noted that Venezuela is developing new strategic alliances with countries such as China, Brazil, and Mexico, emphasizing the need for multipolar supply chains like BRICS.

Butale shared Botswana's transformation from one of the poorest countries to a middle-income nation, attributing this change to the country's valuable mineral resources, particularly diamonds. He illustrated how purchasing a diamond in Botswana contributes to education and healthcare development in the country.

Ekinci pointed out that the Russia-Ukraine War and global geopolitical fractures have elevated access to natural resources from a technical matter to a strategic and national security concern. She stressed the importance of securing a stable, sustainable, and diversified supply of critical raw materials for all nations, including Trkiye.