Trade ministers from around the world have gathered in Cameroon for a major meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO), as growing conflicts especially in the Middle Eastput pressure on global trade.
The two-day summit brings together representatives from 166 countries to discuss how wars, political tensions, and protectionist policies are disrupting supply chains, shipping routes, and energy markets. Recent clashes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have made the situation even more unstable.
Leaders at the conference are focusing on how to strengthen a fair and open global trading system. The goal is to prevent countries from taking unilateral economic actions that could worsen global instability.
Key topics include long-delayed agricultural trade agreements and rules on fishing subsidies, which have been under discussion for years. There is also growing pressure to modernize global trade rules to better handle digital economies and online commerce.
Türkiye is also playing an active role at the meeting. Trade Minister Omer Bolat is attending and holding talks with other countries to push for reforms that would make the WTO more effective and responsive to today’s challenges.
Since its creation in 1995, the WTO has been central to managing global trade and resolving disputes. However, many countries now believe it needs urgent updates to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
In simple terms, this meeting is about finding ways to keep global trade stable and fair—even as conflicts and political tensions make cooperation more difficult.
Source: TRT Africa
