(AseanAll) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on May 6, 2025 welcomed Türkiye as its newest regional member, strengthening ADB’s engagement in Central and West Asia.
In a ceremony during ADB’s 58th Annual Meeting in Milan, ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov said Türkiye’s transition to regional membership would provide the country with development opportunities through access to ADB’s financial resources, technical assistance, and capacity-building support. A nonsovereign operations framework agreement was also signed.
Türkiye joined ADB as a nonregional member in 1991. With its new status, Türkiye becomes eligible for ADB’s ordinary capital resources lending and full participation in ADB’s operations.
“We warmly welcome Türkiye as ADB’s newest regional member,” said ADB President Masato Kanda. “This marks a new chapter in our partnership and reflects Türkiye’s growing engagement with Asia and the Pacific. We look forward to deepening our collaboration to support the country’s development priorities.”
“This is a historic moment for Türkiye and for our partnership with ADB,” said ADB Governor for Türkiye Osman Çelik. “We are grateful for the warm support of fellow member countries and for ADB’s leadership and close collaboration throughout the transition. As a regional member, Türkiye is committed to contributing more actively to ADB’s vision for a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific.”
Türkiye’s borrowing levels will be determined by factors including demand and project readiness. ADB expects to begin lending operations following approval of an Interim Country Partnership Strategy, 2025–2027, expected in September 2025.
Türkiye’s Twelfth Development Plan, 2024–2028, will guide ADB’s engagement with the country. Priority areas include resilience and regional connectivity—such as water and urban development as well as agriculture and natural resources—sustainable infrastructure, and financial inclusion. Opportunities for cofinancing with other development partners are also being explored, along with the mobilization of private sector capital.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
