G20 should design int'l accountability mechanism: Minister

Turkey's industry and technology minister on April 30 called on G20 member states to design an international accountability mechanism for countries that "behaved irresponsible or non-transparent" in times of crisis.
Speaking at an extraordinary virtual meeting of G20 Digital Economy Ministers, Mustafa Varank highlighted the importance of acting in a collective responsible manner to sustain the global order.
He also called on member states to deliver a constructive and result-oriented roadmap to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.
The ministers gathered online to discuss effective use of digital economy policies to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
Increasing internet connectivity, providing data safety, developing digital R&D projects in healthcare sector, using digital technologies for manufacturing medical supplies and strengthening the resilience of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in global supply chains were among topics addressed during the meeting.
Highlighting that the world economy will suffer the worst year since the Great Depression, Varank said cooperation at the G20 is imperative to save lives and livelihoods alike.
"Additionally, we must design an international accountability mechanism for countries which behaved irresponsibly or non-transparent in such times," Varank stressed.
Touching on Turkey's efforts to stem the spread of the virus, Varank said Turkey has so far delivered medical supplies to 55 countries.
"Turkey's ability to achieve this became possible with the visionary leadership of his excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan," Varank added.
He stressed that the country moved swiftly to tackle the crisis thanks to its sound healthcare system.
"First, we...