Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that Trkiye's economy experienced a 3.7% growth on an annual basis in the third quarter, ranking it fourth among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. Erdogan highlighted this consistent growth trend, which has been maintained for 21 quarters, during a speech in the parliament.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan also pointed out an increase in tourism, with visitor numbers rising by 1.6% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the previous year. The tourism sector achieved a record-breaking revenue of $50 billion in the first three quarters of the year. Additionally, Erdogan mentioned a significant decline in Trkiye's credit risk premium (CDS), which fell to 233 basis points, marking the lowest level in seven years.

The November inflation figures also brought optimism, with an inflation rate of 0.87% and a decrease in core goods inflation to around 18%. The downward trend in services inflation continues, Erdogan noted.

In terms of international relations, Erdogan emphasized the growth in trade with Africa, which has surged from $5 billion to $37 billion over the past two decades, with a goal of reaching $50 billion. Direct investments in Africa have reached $10 billion, and Turkish companies have completed over 2,000 projects worth a total of $97 billion. Turkish Airlines has expanded its reach with flights to 64 destinations in 41 African countries.

Looking ahead, Erdogan announced that 2026 will be a "year of international summits" for Trkiye, with the country set to host COP31, the NATO summit, and the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States. He also highlighted the successful test of Trkiye's KIZIELMA on November 29, marking it as the first unmanned combat aircraft capable of air-to-air strikes beyond visual range.