The Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEİK) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Arbitration Centre (OIC Arbitration Centre, OIC-AC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation for the Promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Istanbul on 5 August 2026. The MoU was signed by DEİK Secretary General Caner Çolak and OIC Arbitration Centre Secretary General Dr. Umar A. Oseni.
The Memorandum aims to promote awareness of arbitration, mediation, and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms within the business community while strengthening international cooperation in these fields.
DEİK Secretary General Caner Çolak said:
“Through our network of 153 Business Councils, DEİK will benefit from the OIC Arbitration Centre’s expertise in arbitration, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution. As part of our ‘Business Diplomacy’ vision, we are pleased to sign this Memorandum of Understanding to promote the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Through our 145 country-based Business Councils operating across the globe, we will undertake awareness-raising initiatives on arbitration and mediation not only for companies operating in Türkiye and OIC Member States, but also for businesses engaged in international trade and investment worldwide.
Within the framework of this Memorandum, we aim to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices on arbitration, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution through our Business Councils and other appropriate platforms, while enhancing awareness across the business community and strengthening institutional dialogue on areas of mutual interest.
We believe this partnership will contribute to strengthening Türkiye’s business diplomacy capacity, improving the investment environment, and supporting Istanbul’s vision of becoming a leading international centre for dispute resolution. The Memorandum of Understanding will further reinforce cooperation between our institutions, contributing to a stronger investment climate, the promotion of international trade, and enhanced dialogue within the private sector.”
OIC Arbitration Centre Secretary General Dr. Umar A. Oseni said:
“The MoU we have signed with DEİK reflects our shared commitment to advancing international trade and investment relations. At the OIC Arbitration Centre, our core mission is to promote the efficient, reliable, and predictable resolution of international commercial and investment disputes through arbitration, mediation, and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, while delivering high-quality dispute resolution services.
Equally important is our commitment to advancing mediation, preventing disputes before they arise, and strengthening mechanisms that mitigate dispute risks. These priorities remain central to the Centre’s work.
We believe DEİK’s extensive outreach through its strong private sector network and Business Councils provides an invaluable platform for increasing awareness of arbitration and mediation and for introducing the business community to modern, preventive approaches to dispute management.
We are confident that this partnership will further strengthen trade and investment relations among OIC Member States, reinforce trust and confidence in cross-border commerce, and enhance the private sector’s institutional capacity for dispute prevention, management, and resolution.
Together with DEİK, the OIC Arbitration Centre aims to further consolidate Istanbul’s position as one of the leading international hubs for arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, while developing joint initiatives that effectively respond to the evolving needs of the global business community.”
