Misplaced Pages

Foreign relations of Turkey

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by George Spurlin (talk | contribs) at 10:35, 26 September 2012 (→{{Flag|Armenia}}: wta and minor editing). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Revision as of 10:35, 26 September 2012 by George Spurlin (talk | contribs) (→{{Flag|Armenia}}: wta and minor editing)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)

This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Misplaced Pages. See Misplaced Pages's guide to writing better articles for suggestions. (September 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "Foreign relations of Turkey" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (October 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Politics of Turkey
Constitution
Legislature
Executive
Judiciary
Elections
Foreign relations
See also
flag Turkey portal

Foreign relations of the Republic of Turkey are the Turkish government's policies in its external relations with the international community. Historically, based on the Western-inspired reforms of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, such policies have placed heavy emphasis on Turkey's relationship with the Western world, especially in relation to the United States, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union. The post-Cold War period has seen a diversification of relations, with Turkey seeking to strengthen its regional presence in the Balkans, the Middle East and the Caucasus, as well as its historical goal of EU membership. Under the AK Party government, Turkey's influence has grown in the Middle East based on the strategic depth doctrine, also called Neo-Ottomanism.

Countries in which Turkey maintains its own embassy

Europe

 European Union

Main article: Accession of Turkey to the European Union See also: European Union-Turkey Customs Union

The Turkish application to join the European Economic Community (now the European Union) as an associate member in 1959 soon resulted in associate membership in 1963, with full membership being acknowledged as the final goal. However, problems in foreign policy such as the Cyprus conflict and the internal political turbulence from the 1970s until the early 1980s forced Turkey to delay applying for full membership of the European Community until 1987. The application was rejected, although the E.C. did say that Turkish membership could occur at some point in the future.

An EU-Turkey Customs Union came into effect on 1 January 1996, allowing goods to travel between Turkey and the EU member states without customs restrictions, although it crucially stopped short of lifting restrictions in areas such as agriculture.

The European Union confirmed Turkey's status as candidate for membership at the European Council's Helsinki Summit in 1999. The accession talks did not follow immediately, however, as the EU said Turkey had to make significant reforms, particularly in the field of human rights, before the talks could begin. Turkey's current administration has identified EU membership as its top priority, and has taken many – and sometimes controversial – reform packages through the Parliament aimed at gradually harmonizing Turkey with EU standards. Since October 2005, Turkey has formally started accession negotiations with the EU and these will be based on the acquis communautaire.

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Austria See Austrian–Turkish relations

From the middle ages until the twentieth century today's Austria and Turkey were the core regions within much larger empires. Austria was the seat of the House of Habsburg and Turkey was ruled by the House of Osman (also known as the Ottoman Dynasty). The Habsburg and Ottoman states were both large multi-ethnic conglomerations sustained by conquest. These rival empires waged frequent wars against each other over control of much Central Europe and the Balkans.

 Belarus 1992-05-25 See Belarusian–Turkish relations
 Belgium See Belgian–Turkish relations
 Denmark 14 October 1756 See Denmark–Turkey relations
 Finland 1920-05-20 See Finnish–Turkish relations
 France See French–Turkish relations

Turkey has an embassy in Paris and consulates general in Lyon, Marseille and Strasbourg. France has an embassy in Ankara.

 Germany See German–Turkish relations

Based on good Turkish-German relations from the 19th century onwards, Germany promoted a Turkish immigration to Germany. However, large scale didn't occur until the 20th century. Germany suffered an acute labor shortage after World War II and, in 1961, the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) officially invited Turkish workers to Germany to fill in this void, particularly to work in the factories that helped fuel Germany's economic miracle. The German authorities named these people Gastarbeiter (German for guest workers). Most Turks in Germany trace their ancestry to Central and Eastern Anatolia. Today, Turks are Germany's largest ethnic minority and form most of Germany's Muslim minority.

 Holy See 1868 See Holy See – Turkey relations
 Hungary See Hungarian–Turkish relations
 Ireland See Ireland – Turkey relations
 Italy 1856 See Italian–Turkish relations
 Malta See Maltese–Turkish relations
 Poland See Polish–Turkish relations
 Portugal See Portuguese–Turkish relations

Turkey's 161 years of political relations with Portugal date back to the Ottoman period when Viscount de Seixal was appointed as an envoy to Istanbul. Diplomatic relations ceased during World War I and were re-established in the Republican period in 1926. A resident embassy was established in 1957. Portugal has an embassy in Ankara. Turkey has an embassy in Lisbon. Both countries are full members of NATO.

 Spain See Spanish–Turkish relations

Spain has an embassy in Ankara. Turkey has an embassy in Madrid.

 Sweden See Swedish–Turkish relations
 United Kingdom 1793 See Turkey – United Kingdom relations

Both countries currently maintain relations via the British Embassy in Ankara and the Turkish Embassy in London.

Turkey and the United Kingdom maintain strong bilateral relations. The President of Turkey Cevdet Sunay paid a state visit to the United Kingdom in November 1967. The President of Turkey Kenan Evren paid a state visit to the United Kingdom in July 1988. HM Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom paid state visits to Turkey in October 1971, and in May 2008. Britain and Turkey are both members of the G20, and Britain supports the accession of Turkey to the European Union.

Northern Cyprus Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Cyprus dispute

The Republic of Cyprus was established by the 1959–60 Agreements between Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom as a partnership state between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. In 1963 violence erupted on the island following attempts to amend constitutional safeguards for Turkish Cypriots, leading to a separation of the two communities. A UN Peace-keeping Force (UNFICYP) was dispatched to the island in March 1964.

On 15 July 1974, the military Junta then ruling Greece staged a coup d'état in Cyprus which was aimed at materializing Enosis-Union with Greece- through an armed takeover of the island. This led to Turkey’s military intervention under the Treaty of Guarantee.

Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktas and Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides reached an agreement in Vienna on 2 August 1975 for the "exchange of populations" under the auspices of the UN and this agreement was implemented by the mediation of the UN peace-keeping force. The two sides reached the first high level agreement following a meeting between Denktas and Makarios on 12 February 1977. This four article agreement envisaged the establishment of a bicommunal federal republic on the island.

However, in the north of the island Turkish Cypriots established on 15 November 1983 the defacto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognised only by Turkey. Turkey refers to the government of the Republic of Cyprus as the "Greek Cypriot Administration" and its presidents as "Greek Cypriot leaders."

A comprehensive peace plan negotiated with the full support of the international community was submitted to simultaneous but separate referenda in the North and South of Cyprus on 24 April 2004. While the Turkish Cypriots voted in favor of the Annan Plan by casting 67% of their votes, the Greek Cypriots rejected the solution with a ‘No’ vote of 76%. Republic of Cyprus represented by Greek Cypriots acceded to the EU on 1 May 2004. This in turn has led to tension with Turkey's own EU membership aspirations, with the Republic of Cyprus blocking eight chapters due to Turkey's refusal to open its ports to Greek Cypriot shipping. Turkey's position is that its ports will only be opened when the EU upholds its promise to end the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

Ottoman admiral, geographer and cartographer Piri Reis ' historical map of Cyprus.

The conflict has had wider ramifications in the EU-NATO relationship, with Turkey – a NATO member – blocking Cyprus from participating in EU-NATO meetings, and reducing the scope of talks only those to operations on which the EU and NATO are acting together.

Turkey announced its support for the 2004 Annan Plan for Cyprus. The plan was accepted by the Turkish Cypriots (but not by 2/3, although a simple majority was needed), but overwhelmingly (3/4) rejected by the Greek Cypriots. Turkey continues to recognize the TRNC at the expense of the Cypriot government in the south, and thus far, the Turkish Embassy in (north) Nicosia is the only official diplomatic mission in the TRNC. The issue of recognition became a thorn in Turkey's candidacy for European Union membership, particularly after the internationally-recognized south was admitted to the Union in 2004.

Acting in conformity with its statement during the EU's Brussels summit of 17 December 2004, Turkey signed the additional protocol to the Ankara Agreement on 29 July 2005, before commencing accession talks with the EU. The protocol, which extends the 1963 Ankara Agreement to all members of the European Union (including Cyprus), was signed by exchange of letter between Turkey, the EU term presidency and the EU Commission. Simultaneously, Turkey issued a statement to the effect that the signature, adoption and implementation of the protocol would not in any way constitute recognition of the government of the Republic of Cyprus (which Turkey calls the Greek Cypriot Administration.)

In its 2007 annual handbook, the Turkish government states that "as a result of the policies pursued by the EU member, GCA , Turkish EU relations which would otherwise progress along their natural course suffer a number of problems"

 Greece

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara,November 2009.

Aegean disputes constitute one of the main reasons for the fluctuating course of Turkish-Greek relations. There is a series of interconnected problems between Turkey and Greece, all emanating from the Aegean Sea. The length of territorial waters, demarcation of the continental shelf, determination of maritime search and rescue zones, air space disputes, militarization of the Eastern Aegean Islands in breach of international agreements, the status of certain Aegean islets which, Turkey claims, were not ceded to Greece by international agreements and the absence of an agreement defining maritime borders with Greece in the Aegean are the major disputes between the two countries. These disputes remain unresolved mainly because of a lack of common understanding between the two sides regarding the "existence" and "methods of solution" of the problems. Rejecting the existence of other disputes, Greece notes that the only dispute in the Aegean is the continental shelf issue and claims that it can only be resolved by jurisprudence.

Turkey's stated view is that the Aegean Sea is a common sea and that no sovereignty rights should be claimed over the open seas and international airspaces in the Aegean Sea. However, the Greek insistence of viewing the whole of the Aegean as a Greek Sea and its incessant disregard of Turkish rights and interests complicate the solution of these disputes.

Since August 1999, Turkey and Greece have conducted a series of "Confidence Building Measures" to improve relations concerning these matters.

On Monday 23 December 2011, in an interview on Turkish newspaper BirGün discussing secret budgets, former Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz admitted that Turkish secret agents intentionally started forest fires in Greece between 1995 and 1997 during the Prime Ministership of Tansu Ciller as part of state-sponsored sabotage, resulting in huge damage caused by major forest fires on the islands of the eastern Aegean and in Macedonia. Mesut Yilmaz's admission sparked political outrage in Greece on Monday,

Prime Minister of Greece Konstantinos Mitsotakis (left) and Prime Minister of Turkey Süleyman Demirel in WEF, 1992.

causing Greece's Foreign Ministry spokesman Grigoris Delavekouras to say that the claims were “serious and must be investigated,” adding that Athens was awaiting a briefing from Ankara. Conservative New Democracy’s shadow foreign minister Panos Panayiotopoulos said the revelations “cast heavy shadows over Greek-Turkish relations” and called on Turkey recompense Greece for losses incurred. Following an official complaint from Greece on 24 December seeking clarification over comments by former Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz relating to forest fires in Greece in the mid-1990s, the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers, Stavros Dimas and Ahmet Davutoglu, spoke on Wednesday 28 December. Dimas stressed how important it was that Ankara investigate the claims that in the past Turkey’s intelligence services paid arsonists to set fire to forests in Greece. In addition to Greek Foreign Ministry meetings with Turkish officials, Greece’s Supreme Court prosecutor Yiannis Tentes launched an emergency inquiry on 27 December, ordering the investigations into the mid-1990s wildfires blamed on arson to be reopened with regard to the initial claims reportedly made by Yılmaz. Former head of Greek intelligence service Leonidas Vasilikopoulos said they had received information from their agents in Turkey that Turkish agents or others were involved in the forest fires on Greek islands. After making the comments in Turkish daily newspaper BirGün, Yilmaz said that his words had been distorted and that he was referring to Greek agents causing fires in Turkey. However, on Thursday 29, Turkish daily Milliyet published an article referring to a secret report that seemed to support claims made in the interview by Mesut Yilmaz that secret agents had caused forest fires in Greece in the 1990s. According to Milliyet, an associate of Yilmaz’s, Kutlu Savas, compiled a 12-page report that detailed the actions of Turkish agents in Greece. It described how the National Intelligence Organization of Turkey (MIT) had formed two teams: one which carried out bombings at tourist sites on Crete and other parts of Greece and another which was responsible for starting the wildfires. An attack on an army camp in Lamia, central Greece, is also mentioned.

Balkans

Turkey has close historical, cultural, economic and political ties with some of the Balkan states, which are important for Turkey as they are the country's gateway to continental Europe. Turkey attaches importance to the creation of an atmosphere of mutual understanding and peaceful co-habitation through closer ties with the Balkan countries, which would lead to the preservation of peace and stability in the region. Turkey has participated in NATO operations and peacekeeping missions, contributing to the KFOR and the UN police mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), as well as the EU-led police mission “Proxima” in the Republic of Macedonia. Turkey is also contributing to the EUFOR-ALTHEA. For the reconstruction efforts Turkey is part of launching the Southeastern European Cooperation Process (SEECP), and the Multinational Peace Force Southeast Europe (MPFSEE)/Southeastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG). Turkey also plays a role in regional economic initiatives as well as the Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe initiated by the EU and the Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI).

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Albania See Albanian–Turkish relations
  • Albania has an embassy in Ankara and a general consulate in Istanbul.
  • Turkey has an embassy in Tirana.
  • Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes relations between Turkey and Albania as "excellent".
 Bulgaria See Bulgarian–Turkish relations
 Bosnia See Bosnia Herzegovina–Turkish relations

Between relation Bosnians and Turkey, start in 1990s formally.

 Greece See Greco-Turkish relations, Aegean dispute

Turkey and Greece have clashed for decades over the status of Aegean islands and over the extent of territorial waters and airspace. The tensions came to the brink of war on a number of occasions, most recently in 1996, when Greek and Turkish warships faced each other close to the disputed Imia-Kardak rocks. Only U.S. and NATO intervention subsided the conflict. In February 1999, relations between Greek officials and Abdullah Öcalan (holding a Greek Cypriot passport) and the role of the Greek Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, where Öcalan was captured by agents of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MİT) caused crisis in relations between the two countries for a period of time; but relations have since improved, particularly following the earthquakes that struck both countries in 1999. However, the Imia/Kardak issue sprang up again on a smaller scale in 2004.

 Kosovo See Kosovan–Turkish relations

On 17 February 2008, Turkey became one of the first countries to announce officially about recognition of sovereign Kosovo. Turkey turned its coordination office in Pristina into an embassy after a cabinet decision to open a mission in Kosovo. The decision comes in accordance with the reciprocity principle common in diplomatic relations, when Kosovo announced that it was planning to open one of its first foreign missions in Ankara. The population of Kosovars living in Turkey is said to be much more than those living in Kosovo. Kosovo is the home country of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, writer of the Turkish National Anthem, and many others. There are 20,000 Turks living in Kosovo. Also Turkish is one of the official regional languages of Kosovo.

 Macedonia See Macedonian–Turkish relations

Due to historical and cultural mutualities and human bonds, Macedonia and Turkey have very close and friendly relations. Macedonia has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate–general in Istanbul, while Turkey has an embassy in Skopje and a consulate-general in Bitola.

 Moldova See Moldovan–Turkish relations
 Romania See Romanian–Turkish relations
 Serbia See Serbian–Turkish relations

Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gönül and Serbian Defense Minister Dragan Šutanovac met in Ankara on 12 May 2009 to sign a defence cooperation agreement. Gönül stated that, “Although we do not have a common border, we see Serbia as a neighbour,” and, “Turkey desires to maintain and improve its relations with Serbia the most, among all the other Balkan states.” Šutanovac confirmed that, “There are a lot of things to do in this field,” and, “We are thinking of taking some initiatives in the defense industry together, like co-production in Turkey or Serbia.”

 Russia

Main article: Russia–Turkey relations
Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Silvio Berlusconi in Turkey in November 2005

Following immediately after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, relations between the two nations dramatically and strongly improved; although disagreements regarding the border dispute over the Caucasus and support of each other's lifelong historical adversaries both linger. Russia is somewhat skeptical of Turkey's admission in to the European Union and has recognized the Armenian Genocide which has the potential of damaging its relations with Turkey, but both countries are key strategic partners in the Transcaucasian region.

Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan flew to Sochi, Russia, for a 16 May 2009 “working visit” with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at which he stated, “Turkey and Russia have responsibilities in the region. We have to take steps for the peace and well being of the region. This includes the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, the Middle East dispute, the Cyprus problem.” Putin responded that, “Russia and Turkey seek for such problems to be resolved and will facilitate this in every way,” but, “As for difficult problems from the past – and the Karabakh problem is among such issues – a compromise should be found by the participants in the conflict. Other states which help reach a compromise in this aspect can play a role of mediators and guarantors to implement the signed agreements.” Whilst on the subject of energy security Erdoğan stated that, “The agreement on gas supplies through the so-called Western route signed in 1986 is expiring in 2012. We have agreed today to immediately start work to prolong this agreement.” Putin made a reciprocal visit to Turkey in June.

 Ukraine

Main article: Turkish–Ukrainian relations

Turkey and Ukraine have a long chronology of historical, geographic, and cultural contact. Diplomatic relations between both countries were established in early 1990s when Turkey became one of the first states in the world to announce officially about recognition of sovereign Ukraine. Turkey has an embassy in Kiev and a consulate general in Odessa. Ukraine has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate general in Istanbul. Turkey is a full member of NATO and Ukraine is a candidate. Also both countries are BLACKSEAFOR and BSEC members.

 United States

Main article: Turkey–United States relations
U.S.President Jimmy Carter with Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit at the White House, 31 May 1978.

Friendship between Turkey and the United States dates to the late 19th century, when Turkey was part of the Ottoman Empire, and was officially sealed by a treaty in 1830. The close relationship between the modern Republic of Turkey and the United States began with the Second Cairo Conference on 4–6 December 1943, and the agreement of 12 July 1947 which implemented the Truman Doctrine. As part of the cooperative effort to further improve Turkish economic and military self-reliance, the United States has loaned and granted Turkey more than $12.5 billion in economic aid and more than $14 billion in military assistance.

Turkey participated with the United States during the Korean War of the early 1950s, providing active military support to the U.S. forces. During the Gulf War of 1990, the Turkish Armed Forces contributed to the coalition forces, and Turkey supported the initiatives of the U.S. in the region. Turkey has hosted the Incirlik Air Base, a major operations base of the United States Air Force, since 1954. Following its membership in 1952, Turkey became the bulwark of NATO's southeastern flank, directly bordering Warsaw Pact countries and risking nuclear war on its soil during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington D.C. ,13 February 2012.

In the post Cold War environment, though still committed to its close relations with Washington, Turkey became a more independent actor. Although Turkey supported the United States in the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan, there was strong domestic opposition to the Iraq War. A government motion to allow U.S. troops to attack Iraq from Turkey's border failed to reach the necessary majority. This led to a cooling in relations between the U.S. and Turkey and fears of a permanent rift due to the situation in Iraq. Turkey is particularly cautious about an independent Kurdish state arising from a destabilised Iraq; it has previously fought an insurgent war on its own soil, in which an estimated 37,000 people lost their lives, against the PKK (listed as a terrorist organization by a number of states and organisations, including the U.S. and the EU). This led the Turkish government to put pressure on the U.S. to clamp down on insurgent training camps in northern Iraq, without much success. On 17 October 2007, the Turkish Parliament voted in favour of allowing the Turkish Armed Forces to take military action against the PKK militants based in northern Iraq. In response, U.S. President George W. Bush stated that he did not believe it's in Turkey's interests to send troops into Iraq.

The U.S. and Turkey have had a Joint Economic Commission and a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement for several years. In 2002, the two countries indicated their joint intent to upgrade bilateral economic relations by launching an Economic Partnership Commission. In 2005, Turkish exports to the U.S. totaled $4.9 billion, and U.S. exports to Turkey totaled $5.3 billion.

According to leaked diplomatic cables, Erdoğan was described by US diplomats as having "little understanding of politics beyond Ankara" and as surrounding himself with an "iron ring of sycophantic (but contemptuous) advisors". He is said to be "isolated", and that his MPs and Ministers feel "fearful of Erdogan's wrath". Diplomats state that "he relies on his charisma, instincts, and the filterings of advisors who pull conspiracy theories off the web or are lost in neo-Ottoman Islamist fantasies". Erdogan responded strongly to the claims, threatening a lawsuit. He rejects the allegations of having "eight secret accounts in Swiss banks," stating that the people responsible for the leaks will "be crushed under these claims, will be finished and will disappear."

See also: Embassy of Turkey in Ottawa

South Caucasus

The former Soviet republics in the South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia) are important for Turkey politically, economically, socially and culturally. The government develops policies in this region taking into account its strategic importance, due to its energy resources and pipeline corridors, and collaborates with its South Caucus neighbours in the BSEC, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Council of Europe.

 Armenia

See Armenian–Turkish relations

Armenia-Turkey relations have long been strained by a number of historical-political issues including Turkish dispute of the Armenian Genocide during World War I. Recriminations over the attacks by Armenian militant groups Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA) and Justice Commandos of the Armenian Genocide (JCAG) in the 1970s and 80s. Turkey's active and openly bias towards Azerbaijan before, during and after the Nagorno Karabagh War, and potential border disputes between the two states, and there are currently no formal diplomatic relations between the two modern states.

Turkey recognised the state of Armenia soon after its 1991 independence, but failed to establish formal diplomatic relations. Issues came to a head in 1993 when Turkey sided with its Turkic ally Azerbaijan over the Nagarno-Karabakh War by closing its borders with Armenia and were exacerbated by subsequent pipeline and infrastructure projects that bypassed Armenia, and Armenia’s controversial decision to re-commission the dangerously outdated Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant just 16 km from Turkey’s border.

In the wake of the 2007 murder of Armenian intellectual Hrant Dink by a Turkish gunman, and the ensuing scandal in which his killer was pictured while holding up a Turkish flag, flanked by smiling government employees, tens of thousands of Turkish citizens marched throughout the country in protest. The subsequent diplomatic thaw saw Turkish President Abdullah Gül become the first ever Turkish leader to visit Armenia and the announcement of a provisional roadmap for normalising diplomatic ties. It was announced that Turkey and Armenia agreed to establish diplomatic relations on 10 October 2009. However those diplomatic efforts to normalise the relations have faltered. Armenia suspended the ratification process due to preconditions set forth by Turkey.

 Azerbaijan

See Azerbaijan–Turkey relations

Azerbaijan-Turkey relations have always been strong with the two often being described as "one nation with two states" due to a common culture and history, and the mutual intelligibility of Turkish and Azerbaijani. Turkey has been a staunch supporter of Azerbaijan in its efforts to consolidate its independence, preserve its territorial integrity and realize its economic potential arising from the rich natural resources of the Caspian Sea.

Today, the relationship with Azerbaijan represents the "most important bilateral partnership" in current Turkish foreign policy while Azerbaijan foreign policy affirms its relationship with Turkey as one of its most enduring bilateral relationships, as evidenced in aligned political affairs, mutual cooperation in the areas of trade, commerce, finance, technology, diaspora, academics, as well as the arts and sciences; the sharing of government and military intelligence, and joint combat operations and peacekeeping missions carried out between Azerbaijani Armed Forces and Turkish Armed Forces.

All this however has recently come under threat due to tensions arising from the possible normalization of diplomatic ties between Turkey and Armenia which Azerbaijan fears will mean the loss of key leverage in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh War.

 Georgia

See Georgian–Turkish relations

Turkey has a close partnership relations with Georgia. Turkish citizens can use the Batumi Airport in Georgia, which is run by Turkey's Tepe-Akfen-Vie consortium (TAV), without a visa or passport. Turkey views the Abkhazian and South Ossetian conflicts as a potential danger to peace and stability in the entire region. The resolution of these problems is essential for the preservation of peace and stability in the area. Turkey has shown a readiness to be a negotiator for the Abkhazian conflict.

Middle East and North Africa

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk created a radical shift in Turkish domestic and foreign policy by instituting a strong tradition of secular democracy, which had its roots in the West. Atatürk was an admirer of Enlightenment in many ways and made numerous reforms to modernize Turkey, based on the principles of positivist and rationalist Enlightenment, which he believed would foster educational and scientific progress. In this period, Turkey shifted increasingly towards the West, while culturally and ideologically distancing itself from the conservative mindset, practices and traditions of the Middle East, which were regarded by the Turkish revolutionaries as the source of the backwardness that had caused the Ottoman Empire to collapse. Although Mustafa Kemal Atatürk established a secular, modern country he never formed alliances with Western countries, rather he strengthen relationship with Middle Eastern and Asian countries by forming Treaty of Saadabad, The Baghdad Pact, also forming regional alliance, Balkan Pact.

In The New Turkey (Granta Books, 2005) BBC correspondent Chris Morris claims that “Turkey’s secular democracy, its application for EU membership and its close relationship with the United States have long been regarded in Tehran, Baghdad and Damascus with intense suspicion. Islamists look at the secular state which buried the caliphate and think ‘betrayal’; and Arab nationalists still haven’t forgotten that Turks are their former colonial rulers.” “But there’s been a thaw, especially since the AKP came to power,” and “the new Turkish model – trying to mix greater democracy and Islam together – is now the subject of curiosity and not a little envy.”

 Algeria

See Algeria–Turkey relations

Algeria has an embassy in Ankara, and a general consulate in Istanbul. Turkey has an embassy in Algiers.

 Bahrain

See Foreign relations of Bahrain

 Egypt

Main article: Egyptian–Turkish relations

Egypt and Turkey are bound by strong religious and historical ties. For five centuries, Egypt was part of the Ottoman Empire, with the seat of the Caliphate in Istanbul and the seat of culture in Cairo. Turkey established diplomatic relations with Egypt in 1925 at the level of Charge d’ Affaires and upgraded its mission in Cairo to Ambassadorial level in 1948. Both countries have embassies and consulate generals in each other's capitals. Both countries have signed a free trade agreement in December 2005. Both countries are full members of the Union for the Mediterranean. A natural gas deal between Egypt and Turkey—the largest joint Egyptian-Turkish project to date, estimated to cost $4 billion—is being implemented. On 16 April 2008, Egypt and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding to improve and further military relations and cooperation between the two countries. Turkey and Egypt are among the leading countries of both the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, and are often said to be key in middle-east peace.

 Iran

Main article: Iranian–Turkish relations

Turkish-Iranian relations have essentially been peaceful since 1923. There are an estimated 12 to 21 million Turkic speakers in Iran (the Iranian Azeris and Turkmens) who mostly live in the northern regions of the country. However, a period of coldness in bilateral relations existed following the 1979 Iranian Revolution due to the conflicting ideologies of secular Turkey and theocratic Iran. Ankara has long suspected Iran's support for Islamist organizations and militant groups in Turkey. Nevertheless, the economic and political relations between the two countries have significantly improved in the recent years. Today, Iran and Turkey cooperate in a wide variety of fields that range from fighting terrorism and drug trafficking, and promoting stability in Iraq and Central Asia. Both countries have strongly advocated Iraqi territorial integrity since the beginning of the 2003 Iraqi invasion. Iran and Turkey also have very close economic relations. Both countries are part of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and both were once members of the CENTO alliance. Turkey receives a significant number of Iranian tourists every year, while Iran is a major natural gas supplier of Turkey. Turkish construction companies have undertaken important projects in Iran, such as the new Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran.

 Iraq

Main article: Iraqi–Turkish relations

Facing strong domestic opposition in Turkey, a government motion to allow U.S. troops to attack Iraq from Turkey's border failed to reach the necessary majority in 2003. A primary concern for Turkey was an independent Kurdish state arising from a destabilised Iraq; it has previously fought an insurgent war on its own soil, in which an estimated 37,000 people lost their lives, against the PKK (listed as a terrorist organization by a number of states and organisations, including the U.S. and the EU).

The United States' reluctance to threaten the relative stability of northern Iraq by launching operations against the PKK led the Turkish Parliament to authorise a cross border military operation in 2007. On 22 February 2008, the Turkish Armed Forces launched a ground operation in northern Iraq against the PKK terrorists in a move described as the first significant Turkish ground offensive into Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003. The ground offensive was preceded by air strikes of the Turkish Air Force against the PKK camps in northern Iraq, which began on 16 December 2007. Turkey's armed forces stepped up their offensive against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq on 27 February 2008 amid rising diplomatic tensions between Baghdad and Ankara. The Turkish military pulled out of northern Iraq on 29 February 2008. Turkish troops fired artillery shells into northern Iraq on 5 March 2008.

 Israel and the  Palestinian Authority

Main articles: Israel–Turkey relations and Palestine–Turkey relations See also: History of the Jews in Turkey

Turkey was the first country with a Muslim majority to formally recognize the State of Israel, on 28 March 1949; before Israel was admitted to the United Nations on 11 May 1949. The founders of the State of Israel and prominent Israeli politicians such as David Ben-Gurion, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi and Moshe Shertok had all studied in the leading Turkish schools of Istanbul in their youth, namely Galatasaray High School and Istanbul University.

The history of the Jewish-Turkish relations dates back to the medieval Khazar Empire. The nobility class of the Khazar Turks converted to Judaism at some point between the last decades of the 8th and the early decades of the 9th centuries AD. Later, in the 14th–16th centuries, the Ottoman Sultan Beyazid II invited the Sephardic Jews fleeing the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions to settle in the Ottoman Empire. The later record of warm relations dates to the 19th century, when the British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, himself of Jewish origin, supported the Ottoman Empire in numerous disputes, particularly in the Berlin Congress of 1878. During the 1930s and 1940s, the Republic of Turkey again served as a safe haven for the European Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi-perpetrated Holocaust. A Turkish diplomat, Selahattin Ulkumen, is honoured as one of the Righteous Among The Nations for his work in rescuing Jews from Nazi officials on the island of Rhodes, by issuing them Turkish visas and later arranging for their transport to Turkish territory. Another diplomat, Necdet Kent, also rescued Jews from Nazi authorities, for which he was awarded a special medal by the government of the State of Israel.

Israel has been a major supplier of arms to Turkey. Military, strategic, and diplomatic cooperation between Turkey and Israel is accorded very high priority by the governments of both countries, which share concerns with respect to the regional instabilities in the Middle East. In the book Israel's Secret Wars, Benny Morris provides an account of how Mossad operatives based in Turkey infiltrated into Iraq and orchestrated a number of Iraqi Kurdish uprisings to weaken the Iraqi government. It has been reported that the Israeli Mossad played a major role in the capture of the PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan in 1999. The Israeli and Turkish navies have conducted joint exercises. Turkey also provides its large air space (something Israel lacks) to the jets of the Israeli Air Force for training purposes, particularly the area around the Konya Air Base in central Anatolia. There is a plan to build a massive pipeline from Turkey to supply water, electricity, gas and oil to Israel. In 2000, Israel and Turkey signed a Free Trade Agreement.

In the beginning of 2006, the Israeli Foreign Ministry characterized its relations with Turkey as "perfect". However, in February 2006, a visit paid by Khaled Meshal, leader of the newly elected Hamas, changed this status. Israeli diplomats went so far as to compare this visit to a possible official visit of Abdullah Öcalan (the imprisoned PKK leader) to Israel, but Turkish authorities immediately denounced this comparison as "irresponsible and erroneous". After Khaled Meshal paid an official visit to Russia, Turkish-Israeli relations entered a "cooling down" process. Some have suggested that this was only a public relations stunt to show the Islamic world that Turkey was on their side because Turkey had been silent in major issues important to Arabs and the Islamic community such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Lebanon crisis.

New tensions arose in Turkish-Israeli relations during the Israel's attack on Gaza in 2008–2009. Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan became among the most outspoken critics of Israel's conduct in the war, referring to its military operations as a "crime against humanity". Although at political and military levels the two nations enjoy a close relationship, mass opinion in Turkey is generally sympathetic towards the Palestinians. Relations suffered a further blow when during the World Economic Forum in Davos at 29 January 2009, Prime Minister Erdogan walked out of the forum in protest, frustrated that he had not been given enough time to reply to Israeli President Shimon Peres. Erdogan harshly criticised the President, stating Israel knew "very well how to kill".

 Kuwait

Main article: Turkey-Kuwait relations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkey describes the current relations at "outstanding levels". Bilateral trade between the two countries is around 275 Million dollars. The two countries have recently signed fifteen agreements for cooperation in tourism, health, environment, economy, commercial exchange and oil.

 Lebanon

Turkish-Lebanese relations

Although matters between Ankara and Beirut have never been tense; relations between Turkey and Lebanon have mostly been coldly dormant owing to the former's quietness towards the Second Infitada because of its closeness to Israel. However relations between the two countries have the hope of thickening because of Recep Tayyip Erdogan's actions during the Offensive in Gaza.

 Libya

See Libyan–Turkish relations

Libya has an embassy in Ankara, and a general consulate in Istanbul. Turkey has an embassy in Tripoli and a general consulate in Benghazi.

 Morocco

Main article: Moroccan–Turkish relations

Morocco has an embassy in Ankara. Turkey has an embassy in Rabat.

 Pakistan

Main article: Pakistan–Turkey relations

The people of both countries have brotherly relations which date back centuries. These relations have been traditionally strong. Relations between Pakistan and Turkey are exemplary.

Both nations maintain extensive cultural, commercial, strategic and military cooperation. Both countries have a deep bond of brotherhood. Moreover, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called Pakistan his second home. Both Turkey and Pakistan are Muslim-majority states and share extensive cultural and geopolitical links. In spite of the geographical distance and the clear economic and social differences between two countries, Turks and Pakistanis have had a cordial relation, on a state to state level. Pakistanis have always been called ‘brothers’ in Turkey. Pak-Turk International Schools and Colleges is a chain of Turkish schools and institutes found in numerous cities of Pakistan. During her visit to Turkey in August 2011, Hina Rabbani Khar, the foreign minister of Pakistan, called Turkey an "inspiring example" for the world, when commenting on its economic progress and democracy.

 Saudi Arabia

Main article: Saudi Arabian – Turkish relations

Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate–general in Istanbul. Turkey has an embassy in Riyadh and a consulate–general in Jeddah.

 Sudan

Main article: Sudanese–Turkish relations

Sudan has an embassy in Ankara. Turkey has an embassy in Khartoum. Although on opposing sides of the Middle East Peace Process spectrum, Turkey and Sudan have in recent years joined forces to end the ongoing conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Both countries have made repeated plea talks during the offensive in Gaza during the beginning of 2009 to Palestinian officials to be of both economic and political aid to the turmoilic state.

 Syria

Main article: Syrian–Turkish relations

Syrian–Turkish relations have long been strained even though Turkey shares its longest common border with Syria and various other geographic, cultural, and historical links tie the two neighbouring states together. This friction has been due to disputes including the self annexation of the Hatay Province to Turkey in 1939, water disputes resulting from the Southeastern Anatolia Project, and Syria’s support for the outlawed Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK). Relations have improved greatly since October 1998, when PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan was expelled by Syrian authorities, with recent trade agreements and joint military maneuvers.

The Turkish-Syrian relationship has now become very strong and intimate as Turkey and Syria have cancelled entry visas and signed joint declaration of strategic council (October 2009)

Due to the 2011 Syrian uprising, Turkey has suspended diplomatic contact with Syria.

On 22. June 2012 the Syrian military shoot down a Turkish F-4 Phantom fighter jet after it had entered Syrian airpsace over the Mediterranean Sea.

 Tunisia

See Tunisian–Turkish relations

Tunisia has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate-general in Istanbul. Turkey has an embassy in Tunis.

Central Asia

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2008)

Turkey has strong cultural and linguistic ties with the predominantly Turkic nations of Central Asia since Turks originated in Central Asia themselves. Economic and political relations are developing rapidly, and are likely to grow even more quickly with Turkey's recent elimination of visa requirements for citizens of the Central Asian Turkic republics. The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) has formed an alliance of trade between Turkey and the Central Asian states. Turkey is even working on developing solid relations with the other nations of the region, namely Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

 Afghanistan

Main article: Afghan–Turkish relations

Afghanistan–Turkey relations have always been warm due to strong ethnic and historical links between the two modern states. Afghanistan was the second country to recognize the Republic of Turkey, after the Soviet Union, establishing diplomatic contacts whilst the Turkish War of Independence was still being waged. Turkey has participated in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) since its inception in 2001 and is responsible for maintaining security around Kabul, providing training for the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police and has undertaken a number of reconstruction projects in the fields of education, health and agriculture in the province of Vardak. Afghan President Hamid Karzai visited Ankara on 4 April 2002 and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a reciprocal visit to Kabul a short time later.

 Kazakhstan

Main article: Kazakh–Turkish relations

Turkey recognized Kazakhstan on 16 December 1991, on the same day Kazakhstan declared its independence. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 2 March 1992. These relations have developed positively on the international stage as well as in commerce and strategic affairs. Kazakhstan has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate general in Istanbul. Turkey has an embassy in Almaty and a branch office in Astana.

 Kyrgyzstan

Turkish President Abdullah Gül made a 26–28 June official visit to Bishkek where he met with Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev and Prime Minister Igor Chudinov to discuss bilateral relations, with Gül stating, “We have determined that we have a joint will with regard to our bilateral relations and multilateral relations. We share the conviction that we attach great importance to the stability of Afghanistan in particular and that we should provide all sorts of assistance regarding this issue.” Gül subsequently announced, in a speech at the International Atatürk-Alatoo University (IAAU), that, “Kyrgyzstan is our ancestral homeland. We have felt at home in our ancestral homeland while we have been in Kyrgyzstan,” and added, in a speech to the Jogorku Kenesh, that, “You are being represented in Europe through us, and were being represented in the Commonwealth of Independent States through you. I believe that this is important.” He also laid the foundation stone for the new Turkish Embassy in Bishkek.

Turkey is one of Kyrgyzstan's major trade partners. It is estimated that some 30% of all imported goods sold at Bishkek's Dordoy Bazaar come from Turkey. It is estimated that some 400–500 Kyrgyzstan traders engage in "shuttle trade", regularly traveling to Turkey to purchase goods for sale in their (or others') shops in Kyrgzstan's markets. With their knowledge of Kyrgyz and Uzbek languages, and many Istanbul merchant's familiarity with Russian, many Kyrgyzstan traders sometimes manage to do their purchasing in Turkey without having to learn the Turkish language.

There is academic exchange between the two countries as well. Turkey provides support for a number of universities in Kyrgyzstan, while many scholars from Kyrgyzstan are attracted to the opportunities to teach in Turkey. Also, Kyrgyz Republic is in Turkic Council.

 Tajikistan

Main article: Tajik–Turkish relations

Turkey recognized the independence of Tajikistan on 16 December 1991 and established diplomatic relations on 29 January 1992. The Turkish Embassy in Dushanbe was opened in 4 August 1992 and the Tajik Embassy in Ankara was opened in 16 October 1995.

Turkey’s relations with Tajikistan are considered within the framework of relations with other Central Asian republics but developed more slowly due to Tajikistan’s internal war between 1992 and 1997. During this period the Turkish embassy in Dushanbe was the only diplomatic mission which remained open and the visit of Turkish Prime Minister Suleyman Demirel was the only high level visit to Tajikistan.

 Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is inhabited by Turkic people, who share a cultural affinity with Turks.

Americas

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Argentina See Argentine–Turkish relations
  • Argentina has an embassy in Ankara.
  • Turkey has an embassy in Buenos Aires.
  • Turkey's staunch support for fellow NATO member United Kingdom during the Falklands War and recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the Argentine parliament has soured relations between the two countries.
 Barbados

Turkey has a non-resident ambassador in Caracas, Venezuela. The Barbadian Government does not have foreign accreditation for Turkey. Barbados and Turkey formally established joint diplomatic relations on 20 September 1972.Barbadian and Turkish economic trade are not very significant, however as of April 2009 both countries have discussed the desire for expanding a bilateral framework for possible cooperation in tourism. The diplomatic representative of Turkey, Nihat Akyol and his Barbadian counterpart the Minister of Foreign Affairs revealed that they could "provide support to each other" and that they should not view each other as "competitors".

 Brazil See Brazilian–Turkish relations

Brazil has an embassy in Ankara. Turkey has an embassy in Brasília and a Consulate General in Sao Paulo. Both countries are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

 Canada See Canadian–Turkish relations

Canada has an embassy in Ankara. Turkey has an embassy in Ottawa. The recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the Canadian parliament has soured relations between the two countries.

 Chile See Chilean–Turkish relations

Chile was the first country in Latin America which recognized Turkey with the Friendship Treaty, on 30 January 1926. In Santiago, there can be found the Turkish Republic Square, Atatürk College and Atatürk monument. The Turkish embassy in Chile is the first embassy of Turkey opened in Latin America. In addition Turkey includes a Chile Square in Ankara inaugurated on 18 September 1970 that contains the Bernardo O'Higgins Monument. The Pablo Neruda square in Turkey was inaugurated in 2007.

 Mexico See Mexican–Turkish relations
  • Mexico has an embassy in Ankara.
  • Turkey has an embassy in Mexico City.
  • Both countries are members of the OECD and the G20.

Asia

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Bangladesh

Relations have been excellent since Turkey recognised Bangladesh in 1971, soon after independence. The trade volume between the two countries have grown as did Bangladeshi exports and has been in Bangladesh's favour throughout their economic relationship. Bangladesh was one of the only six countries to support the Turkish invasion of Cyprus during a UN vote on the matter. On the issue of Cyprus, Bangladesh at multilateral organisations such as the UN, use this as an opportunity to defend the rights of the Turkish minority. They also supported the creation of the Developing 8 Countries with six other nations with large Muslim populations.

 China See Chinese–Turkish relations

Turkey recognized the PRC on 5 August 1971. Turkey pursues One-China policy and recognizes the PRC as the sole legal representative of China. The PRC has an embassy in Ankara, and a consulate–general in Istanbul. Turkey has an embassy in Beijing and 2 consulates–general in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

 India See Indian–Turkish relations

Despite its close supportive bond with its geopolitical rival, Pakistan, Turkey's relations with India have always been generally friendly and stable, though at certain times cold. The two nations have been in contact with each other since the early times of the Ottoman Empire; Turkey and India work closely with each other to fight cultural terrorism in the Middle East, Central, and South Asia. India was also one of many countries to recognize the newly-independent Turkey and send political aid to combat the subsequent poverty and benefit the war effort.

 Indonesia See Indonesian–Turkish relations

Indonesia has an embassy in Ankara. Turkey has an embassy in Jakarta. This relationship began in the 16th century when the Muslim sultan of Java requested help from the Ottoman Turkish Caliph to resist the Portuguese colonization attempts in the region, which was replied with a large contingent of ships and soldiers whose efforts to help their Muslim brothers mark to this day the close relationship between Indonesia and Turkey.

 Japan 1924 See Japan–Turkey relations
 Malaysia 1964 See Malaysian–Turkish relations
 Mongolia See Mongolian–Turkish relations
 Pakistan See Pakistani–Turkish relations

Relations between Pakistan and Turkey are exemplary. Both nations maintain extensive cultural, commercial, strategic and military cooperation. Both countries have a deep bond of brotherhood as Turks have always loved the Pakistanis and Pakistanis have always loved Turks. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called Pakistan his second home. Pakistan and Turkey are close allies and support each other on a number of issues including the Kashmir dispute and Cyprus, as well as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Pakistan, in turn, is one of the only countries in the world which fully and consistently supports Turkish positions on many issues, such as Cyprus and Armenia. Both are members of the ECO, and citizen's attitudes towards one another are warm. Despite Pakistan's friendly ties to Greece, and Turkey's ties to India, both countries regard each other's relations as more important and close to those with Greece and India.

Pakistan has an embassy in Ankara, a Consulate-General in Istanbul and an honorary consulate in Izmir whereas, Turkey has an embassy in Islamabad, a Consulate-General in Karachi and honorary consulates in Lahore, Peshawar, Sialkot and Faisalabad.

 Vietnam See Turkish–Vietnamese relations

Africa

There has been a revival in Turkey’s relation with Africa after 1998. Initially this revival came as a passive attempt, but after 2005 it became an offensive interest in developing relations with the continent. The recent Turkey-Africa Cooperation Summit in 2008 marks the latest stage in Turkey’s keen interest in developing relations with Africa, and should be seen as a turning point.

 Ethiopia

Main article: Ethiopian–Turkish relations

Ethiopia has an embassy in Ankara. Turkey has an embassy in Addis Ababa since 1925. Turkey was the sixth country to open an embassy in Ethiopia. Today the relations between the two countries are described as excellent, both politically and economically. In December 2008, Turkey sent a trade delegation to Ethiopia, which met with the Prime Minister, the Minister of Trade and Industry Girma Biru, and the President of the Oromia Region Abadula Gemeda, as well as visited Turkish-owned textiles factories in Ethiopia. A senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who attended the discussion, expressed the hope that Turkey could share its experience and provide assistance to ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and extend its railway system.

 Kenya

Main article: Kenyan–Turkish relations

Turkey has an embassy in Nairobi but Kenya has no embassy in Turkey.

 Nigeria

Main article: Nigerian–Turkish relations

Nigeria has an embassy in Ankara. Turkey has an embassy in Abuja.

 South Africa

Main article: South African – Turkish relations

Pacific

 Australia

Main article: Australian–Turkish relations
Memorial of ANZAC Cove; commemorating the loss of thousands of Turkish and Anzac soldiers in Gallipoli

Diplomatic relations between the two countries established in 1967. Australia has an embassy in Ankara since 1968, a consulate-general in Istanbul and a consulate in Çanakkale. Turkey has an embassy in Canberra since 1967 and two consulates-general in Melbourne and Sydney.

The first encounter of Turkey and Australia was on the battlefields of Çanakkale, the scene was that of a fierce one, but at the same time, a gentlemanly war. This has created a bond of mutual respect, admiration and friendship.

 New Zealand

Main article: New Zealand–Turkey relations

The relationship between Turkey and New Zealand is excellent, with great mutual respect based on the ANZAC traditions forged in the Battle of Gallipoli. Governor-General of New Zealand Sir Anand Satyanand visited Turkey for the annual commemoration of Anzac Day on 25 April 2009 stating that his country was “Turkey’s traditional ally,” and the Gallipoli battles commemorated, “are the first example of friendship created on the battlefield. This understanding owes its existence mostly to the peace building words of Atatürk.” He also wished Turkey luck with its EU accession bid and waited on the successful outcome for prospective trade opportunities.

International organizations

Main article: Turkey and International Organizations

Turkey is a founding member of the UN (1945), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (1961), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (1969), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) (1973), and the G20 industrial nations (1999). Turkey is a member state of the Council of Europe (1949) and NATO (1952) as well as being in full accession negotiations with the European Union since 2005, having been an associate member since 1963. Turkey is also an associate member of the Western European Union since 1992 and signed the E.U. Customs Union agreement in 1995.

Turkey entered NATO in 1952 and serves as the organization's vital eastern anchor, controlling the Turkish Straits which lead from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and sharing a border with Syria, Iraq, and Iran. A NATO headquarters is located in İzmir, and the United States has maintained air forces at the Incirlik Air Base in the province of Adana.

Turkey is also a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 1995. It has signed free trade agreements with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Israel, and many other countries. In 1992, Turkey and 10 other regional nations formed the BSEC to expand regional trade and economic cooperation.

See also

References

  1. Taspinar, Omer (September 2008). "Turkey's Middle East Policies: Between Neo-Ottomanism and Kemalism". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  2. Murinson, Alexander (2009). Turkey's Entente with Israel and Azerbaijan: State Identity and Security in the Middle East and Caucasus (Routledge Studies in Middle Eastern Politics). Routledge. p. 119. ISBN 0-415-77892-1. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. Embassy of Belgium in Turkey
  4. "Diplomatic missions of Belgium in Turkey". Belgium.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  5. "Embassy of Turkey in Brussels". Bruksel.bk.mfa.gov.tr. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  6. "Consulate–General of Turkey in Antwerp". Anvers.bk.mfa.gov.tr. 16 September 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  7. "Diplomatic missions of Turkey in Belgium". Turkey.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  8. "Danish Business Delegation to Turkey" (PDF). Royal Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 11 December 2010. Trade between our two countries can be dated centuries back. In 1756 Denmark and The Ottoman Empire signed a treaty on commerce and friendship, which paved the way for closer ties – both human and commercial – between our two people... {{cite web}}: C1 control character in |quote= at position 181 (help)
  9. "Danish embassy in Ankara". Ambankara.um.dk. 14 January 2008. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  10. "Turkish embassy in Copenhagen". Turkishembassy.dk. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  11. "Embassy of Finland in Ankara". Finland.org.tr. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  12. "Embassy of Turkey in Helsinki (in Turkish and Finnish)". Turkishembassy-helsinki.eu. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  13. "Hungarian embassy in Ankara". Hungary.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  14. "Turkish embassy in Budapest". Bukres.be.mfa.gov.tr. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  15. "Embassy of Ireland in Turkey". Ireland.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  16. "Embassy of Turkey in Ireland". Dublin.be.mfa.gov.tr. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  17. Turkish embassy in Rome
  18. Polish embassy in Ankara
  19. "Portuguese embassy in Ankara". Portugalembassy.org.tr. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  20. "Turkish embassy in Madrid". Tcmadridbe.org. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  21. "Turkey Has Friends in EU, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt". Turkish Weekly. 21 April 2009. Retrieved 22 May 2009.
  22. "EU'S UPCOMING PRESIDENT EXTENDS FULL SUPPORT FOR TURKEY'S MEMBERSHIP". TurkNet. 08/05/2009. Retrieved 22 May 2009. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. "Sweden's Greens: Opposition to Turkey due to Islamophobia". Today's Zaman. 11 May 2009. Retrieved 22 May 2009.
  24. "German, French Leaders Oppose Turkey Joining EU". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 22 May 2009. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  25. "Swedish Parliament Refuses to Recognize the Armenian Genocide". Armtown.com. 12 June 2008. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  26. "Welcome to the British Embassy Turkey" britishembassy.gov.uk Link accessed 29 May 2008
  27. "Welcome to Turkey" turkey.embassyhomepage.com Link accessed 29 May 2008
  28. "Bilateral Relations" britishembassy.gov.uk Link accessed 29 May 2008
  29. ^ "Ceremonies: State visits". Official web site of the British Monarchy. Retrieved 26 November 2008.
  30. "Outward state visits made by the queen since 1952". Official web site of the British Monarchy. Retrieved 26 November 2008.
  31. "Turkey 2007" – Turkish Foreign Policy Chapter – Government of Turkey Publication
  32. Koker, Irem. "Greek Cypriots may block more chapters in Turkey's EU negotiations". HurriyetDailyNews.com. Archived from the original on 16 September 2010. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
  33. Keohane, Daniel (2006). "Unblocking EU-NATO Co-operation". Centre for European Reform. Archived from the original on 16 September 2010. Retrieved 16 September 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  34. ^ "Turkey 2007" Government of Turkey
  35. Mesut Yilmaz told BirGün about the dark years, BirGün, Monday 23 December 2011 (in Turkish)
  36. Former Turkish PM's arson admission fuels anger, Kathimerini, Tuesday 27 December 2011
  37. Greece demands official response from Ankara on forest fires, Zaman, Wednesday 28 December 2011
  38. Turk-Greek Ties Strained by Arson Row, Journal of Turkish Weekly, Friday 30 December 2011
  39. Greek, Turkish foreign ministers discuss fire comment, Kathimerini, Saturday 31 December 2011
  40. Turkish daily cites report supporting wildfire claims, Kathimerini, Saturday 31 December 2011
  41. "Albanian embassies in Turkey". Albania.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  42. "Turkish embassy in Albania". Turkey.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  43. "Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Albania". Mfa.gov.tr. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  44. "Bulgarian embassies in Turkey". Bulgaria.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  45. Turkish embassy in Sofia
  46. "Turkey to open embassy in Kosovo". Turkishdailynews.com.tr. 24 September 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  47. "A baby brother to Turkey, Kosovo born in Europe". Turkishdailynews.com.tr. 24 September 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  48. Kosovo in figures 2005
  49. "Moldovan embassy in Ankara". Embassypages.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  50. "Romanian embassies in Turkey". Romania.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  51. "Turkey, Serbia sign deal on defense industry ties". Today’s Zaman. 13 May 2009.
  52. "Serbian defense minister: War with Kosovo not possible". Today’s Zaman. 14 May 2009.
  53. "Erdoğan to visit Russia next month, report says". Today’s Zaman. 25 April 2009.
  54. "Erdoğan seeks Russian backing in Karabakh peace effort". Today’s Zaman. 16 May 2009.
  55. "Putin to visit Turkey next month". Today’s Zaman. 20 May 2009.
  56. "Turkey´s Political Relations With Ukraine". Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 16 September 2010. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
  57. "Turkish embassy in Kiev" (in Turkish). Archived from the original on 16 September 2010. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
  58. "Ukrainian embassy in Ankara". Archived from the original on 16 September 2010. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
  59. Cook, Steven A. (15 June 2006). "Generating Momentum for a New Era in U.S.-Turkey Relations" (PDF). Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 17 December 2006. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  60. ^ O'Toole, Pam (26 March 2003). "Turkey's fears of Kurdish resurgence". BBC. Retrieved 17 December 2006.
  61. "PKK 'behind' Turkey resort bomb". BBC. 17 July 2005. Retrieved 17 December 2006.
  62. ^ Singh, K. Gajendra (3 August 2004). "Turkey and Iran coming closer". South Asia Analysis Group. Archived from the original on 11 June 2007. Retrieved 17 December 2006. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  63. ^ "Turkish MPs back attacks in Iraq". BBC News. BBC. 18 October 2007. Archived from the original on 16 September 2010. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
  64. "Turkey approves Iraq incursion". Cable News Network. 18 October 2007. Archived from the original on 19 October 2007.
  65. "Cable Viewer". Cablegate.wikileaks.org. 25 March 2005. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
  66. "Leaked cables point to vital, volatile U.S. relationship with Turkey". CNN. 30 November 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  67. Adams, Richard; Weaver, Matthew (1 December 2010). "WikiLeaks US embassy cables: live updates". The Guardian. UK. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
  68. "Samast'a jandarma karakolunda kahraman muamelesi/Katili bir alnından öpmedikleri kalmış". Radikal. 2 February 2007. Retrieved 10 February 2007. Template:Tr
  69. "Gul in landmark visit to Armenia". BBC News. 6 September 2008. Retrieved 12 September 2008. {{cite news}}: |section= ignored (help)
  70. Paul Richter (3 April 2009). "Turkey, Armenia are likely to ease conflict". L.A. Times. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
  71. ANKARA – Agence France-Presse. "Turkey, Armenia to sign diplomatic deal next month, says official – Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review". Hurriyetdailynews.com. Retrieved 27 April 2010.
  72. "President Sarkisian Announces Suspension of Protocols". The Armenian Weekly. Armenian Weekly. 22 April 2010. Archived from the original on 16 September 2010. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
  73. Cansever, Enes. "Turkey in decade's best economic, trade phase with Azerbaijan". Today's Zaman. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
  74. Aslanov, Dr.Elnur. "Azerbaijan and Turkey – shoulder to shoulder!". Hurriyet Newspaper. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
  75. Morris, Chris (2005). "Chapter 9: Crossroads". The New Turkey. London: Granta Books. pp. 203–227. ISBN 1-86207-865-3. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |chapterurl= (help)
  76. "List of Algerian Embassies in Europe". Embassy of The People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Kuala Lumpur. Algerian Embassy, KL. 2005. Archived from the original on 16 September 2010. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
  77. "Turkey´s Political Relations with Algeria". Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 16 September 2010. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
  78. "Radical Islamic political groups in Turkey". MERIA.
  79. "Erdogan: Iran, Turkey against disintegration of Iraq". Islamic Republic News Agency. 5 December 2006. Archived from the original on 7 February 2007. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 10 February 2007 suggested (help)
  80. "Turkey, Iran ready to bolster tourism". Turkish Daily News. Dogan Daily News Inc. 19 June 2006. Archived from the original on 6 September 2007.
  81. Koumelis, Theodore (20 June 2006). "Turkey and Iran sign MoU to extend tourism cooperation". TravelDailyNews.com. Archived from the original on 6 September 2007.
  82. "Tehran Prioritizes TAV for Imam Khomeini Airport Bid". The Journal of Turkish Weekly. International Strategic Research Organization. 5 April 2006. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007.
  83. "Turkey launches major Iraq incursion". CNN. 23 February 2008. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  84. "Turkish air force in major attack on Kurdish camps". Flight International. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  85. Turkey sends more troops into Iraq
  86. "Iraq incursion finished, Turkey says". CNN. 29 February 2008. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  87. "Turkish troops shell northern Iraq". CNN. 5 March 2008. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  89. E.g., Brook; Dunlop; Golden, Khazar Studies; passim, and Christian 282–300.
  90. "David Ben-Gurion". Jewishmag.com. 14 May 1948. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  91. "Analysis: Middle East's 'phantom alliance'". BBC News. 18 February 1999. Retrieved 1 April 2010.
  92. http://ankara.mfa.gov.il/mfm/web/main/document.asp?subjectid=18367&missionid=65&languageid=0&statusi
  93. http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/New_World_Order/PowerBloc_TurkeyIsrael
  94. "The Ostrovsky Files: Capture of Kurdish Rebel Leader Ocalan Recalls Mossad Collaboration With Both Turkey, Kurds". Washington-report.org. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  95. Pamukcu, Konuralp (2003). "Water Trade between Israel and Turkey: A Start in the Middle East?". Middle East Policy. 10 (4): 87. doi:10.1111/j.1061-1924.2003.00132.x.
  96. http://www.dtm.gov.tr/ab/ingilizce/sta/israil/israel.htm
  97. "and for some historical records see, Mahmut Bali Aykan, "The Palestinian Question in Turkish Foreign Policy from the 1950s to the 1990s", International Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, Volume 25, No.: 1, February 1993". Thenation.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  98. Turkish PM Erdogan slams Israel Hurriyet News
  99. Turkish PM storms out of Davos' Gaza session, slams moderator Hurriyet Daily News
  100. Stormy debate in Davos over Gaza Al Jazeera English (THURSDAY, 29 January 2009)
  101. Erdogan Clashes With Peres, Storms Out of Davos Panel (Update1) Bloomberg
  102. "Turkey's Political Relations with Kuwait / Rep. of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs". Mfa.gov.tr. Retrieved 30 July 2009.
  103. "Kuwait, Turkey to cement ties » Kuwait Times Website". Kuwaittimes.net. 29 June 2008. Retrieved 30 July 2009.
  104. "Moroccan embassy in Turkey". Morocco.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  105. "Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Morocco". Mfa.gov.tr. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  106. "Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ankara". Mofa.gov.sa. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  107. "Embassy of Turkey in Riyadh". Riyad.be.mfa.gov.tr. 18 August 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  108. "Consulate–General of Turkey in Jeddah". Cidde.bk.mfa.gov.tr. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  109. "Embassy of Sudan in Turkey". Sudan.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  110. "Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Sudan". Mfa.gov.tr. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  111. http://www.albawaba.com/main-headlines/syria-turkish-embassy-closed-senior-intel-office-assassinated-418505
  112. Syrian military says it downed Turkish fighter jet
  113. "Tunisian embassies in Turkey". Tunisia.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  114. "Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the relations with Tunisia". Mfa.gov.tr. 1 July 2005. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  115. Yermukanov, Marat (7 December 2006). "Kazakhstan and Turkey spearhead the integration of Turkic nations". Eurasian Daily Monitor. 3 (226). Jamestown Foundation. Retrieved 10 October 2008.
  116. "Gül to visit Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan next week". Today’s Zaman. 22 May 2009.
  117. "Gül, Bakiyez vow efforts for Afghanistan's stability". Today’s Zaman. 28 May 2009.
  118. "Ankara, Bishkek team players, Gül tells Kyrgyz deputies". Today’s Zaman. 29 May 2009.
  119. ^ TURKEY’S CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC PRESENCE GROWS IN KYRGYZSTAN. "Publication: Eurasia Daily Monitor". Volume 4, Issue 145. 26 July 2007. By: Erica Marat]
  120. "Embassy of Argentina in Turkey". Argentina.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  121. "Embassy of Turkey in Argentina". Turkey.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  122. "List of Countries that Barbados has Established Relations" (PDF). Government of Barbados. Retrieved 26 April 2009.
  123. ^ "Barbados, Turkey discuss links". Nation News Company. Retrieved 26 April 2009.
  124. "Barbados, Turkey to cooperate on tourism". Hürriyet. Retrieved 26 April 2009.
  125. "Barbados and Turkey may cooperate on tourism". Caribbean Net News Newspaper. Retrieved 8 April 2009.
  126. "Embassy of Brazil in Ankara". Brasembancara.org. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  127. Embassy of Turkey in Brazil.
  128. Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Canada
  129. Template:Es icon Antecedentes Históricos Chile-Turquía
  130. "Basyn – Yayýn ve Enformasyon Genel Müdürlüðü". Byegm.gov.tr. 1 January 2000. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  131. Template:Es iconEmbajador De Turquía Visitó Nuevas Dependencias De Colegio Ataturk, 09/01/2009
  132. ^ Template:Es icon Asuntos Culturales
  133. "Basyn – Yayýn ve Enformasyon Genel Müdürlüðü". Byegm.gov.tr. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  134. "Embassy of Mexico in Turkey". Embassy of Mexico. Retrieved 06 August 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  135. "Embassy of Turkey in Mexico". Embassy of Turkey. Retrieved 06 August 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  136. "Embassy of Indonesia in Turkey". Indonesia.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  137. "Embassy of Turkey in Indonesia". Cakarta.be.mfa.gov.tr. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  138. "Japanese embassy in Ankara". Tr.emb-japan.go.jp. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  139. "Turkish embassy in Tokyo". Turkey.jp. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  140. "Embassy of Mongolia in Ankara". Web.ttnet.com.tr. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  141. Embassy of Turkey in Ulan Bator
  142. http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=turkey-pakistan-relations-to-be-improved-2009-08-27
  143. "A Turkish path for Pakistan". Christian Science Monitor. 24 January 2002. Retrieved 3 June 2008.
  144. http://www.turkishweekly.net/columnist/2943/why-do-turks-like-pakistan.html
  145. http://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkey_s-political-relations-with-pakistan.en.mfa
  146. http://www.defence.pk/forums/pakistans-war/76835-turkish-pm-erdogan-iran-pakistan-turkey-afghanistan-have-common-future.html
  147. "Embassy of Turkey in Vietnam". Turkey.visahq.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  148. "Vietnamese embassy in Ankara". Vietnamembassy-turkey.org. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  150. Ethiopian Ambassador to Turkey: Ethiopia does not need political reform, Walta Information Center
  151. "A Week in the Horn: 12 December 2008" . Retrieved 28 January 2009.
  152. "Meles foresees growing Ethio-Turkey cooperation", Ethiopian News Agency 9 January 2009 (Retrieved 28 May 2009)
  153. "Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Kenya". Mfa.gov.tr. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  154. "Turkish embassy in Abuja". Turkembabuja.com. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  155. "South African embassy in Ankara". Southafrica.org.tr. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  156. "Turkey, New Zealand acknowledge solid basis of relations". Today's Zaman. 28 April 2009.
  157. "Member States of the United Nations". United Nations. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  158. "Organisation for European Economic Co-operation". Oecd.org. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  159. http://www.oic-oci.org/english/main/member-States.htm
  160. "About – Participating States". OSCE. Retrieved 28 September 2010.

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from The World Factbook. CIA.

External links


Turkey Foreign relations of Turkey
Bilateral relations
Africa
Central
East
North
Southern
West
Americas
Caribbean
Central
Northern
South
Asia
Central
East
South
Southeast
Western
Europe
Central
Eastern
Northern
Southern
Western
Oceania
Australasia
Melanesia
Polynesia
Former states
Multilateral relations
Current
Historical
Diplomacy
Peace Agreements and Treaties
International infrastructure
Missions
Turkey Turkey
History
Ancient and Middle Ages
Seljuks and Beyliks
Ottoman Empire
Republic of Türkiye
Overviews
Topics
Geography
Regions
(west to east)
Topics
Government
Branches
Politics
Topics
Economy
Demographics
Society
Culture
Foreign relations of Europe
Sovereign states
States with limited
recognition
Dependencies and
other entities
Other entities
Foreign relations of Asia
Sovereign states
States with
limited recognition
Categories: